President General Pervez Musharraf during the ground-breaking ceremony of the DHA power and desalination plant in Karachi last month appreciated the Defence Societies and described them as the top residential societies of the country.
Some articles, features, letters and comments have appeared in various newspapers in which some pseudo intellectuals have criticised DHA.
This is perhaps a myopic evaluation of these fine housing enterprises which through a very well-managed and regulated system of administration provide prestigious living environment, exquisite civic amenities and recreational facilities to its residents.
To take the example of DHA, Karachi, forlorn marshy and barren coastal lands were diligently developed, mostly on reclaimed land, according to the principles of town planning and turned into a very well designed housing enterprise of the country.
DHA utilises its own integral funds for carrying out all state of the art development since it receives no funds from any government or non--governmental agencies.
DHA also does not levy any taxes on residents for providing civic services.
The integral profit earned through various DHA projects is directly funnelled into development works and for improving civic services and environment in the area.
What were once acres of wasteland are now the most sough, after stretches and for cherished living. This is what distinguishes DHA from the other housing societies of the country.
The recently launched mega projects like the power and desalination plant, water-front development and creek city etc are not only futuristic but momentous in their essence. The DHA needs the prayers, support and good wishes of the public in its exciting journey into a shining future.
It would be unfair to impede the workings of a well-run organisation by casting unfounded aspersions.