ISLAMABAD: In a significant move towards sustainable urban development, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman to initiate vertical housing projects in Islamabad to discourage construction of big bungalows that occupy multiple acres of horizontal land.
The minister directed the CDA chairman to table a policy framework on vertical housing as soon as possible, which can later be modelled across the country.
The minister gave these instructions while chairing a progress review meeting with members of Public Private Partnership Authority (PPPA) and relevant ministries on Tuesday.
Following the Prime Minister’s directives to identify all state properties and pool them under public private partnership model for better utilisation, he instructed the CDA chairman to table and implements a policy framework for high-rise housing in the city’s sectors.
The minister emphasised that vertical housing and commercial activities will not only make housing more affordable but also safeguard the environment and food security. He directed the CDA chairman to study leading metropolises like Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, and Shanghai to learn from their best practices and incorporate them into the Islamabad plan.
“Pakistan cannot afford to continue expanding horizontally to meet residential and commercial needs,” said Minister Iqbal.
“We must prioritise vertical housing to protect our green spaces, ensure food security, and provide affordable housing for all, especially the deprived segments of our society.”
This initiative would mark a significant shift towards sustainable urban development in Pakistan, prioritising the needs of the people and the environment, maintained Iqbal.
Planning Minister Iqbal also directed the CDA chairman to build a modern state-of-the-art National Library.
He emphasised on holding an international competition of architects to deliver an innovative concept of a modern library to be set up in Islamabad.
“The library must serve as an ideal public space where youth can not only learn and grow but also engage in healthy debates, which will gradually help to reduce polarisation in the society,” the minister said.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2024