CDA to lose key functions after formation of local bodies system

With the creation of local bodies system in Islamabad Property , the Capital Development Authority (CDA) would lose many municipal and development functions to the local government and the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation.According to the Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government Bill 2013 introduced in the National Assembly, the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation would execute and manage development plans.With the passage of the bill by the two houses, the
CDA would have less attraction for the deputationists who prefer to join the civic body to other government organisations.The Islamabad Property  Corporation would be headed by a mayor and it would also comprise deputy mayor, chairmen, vice chairmen, general councillors, women and youth members,
technocrats and non-Muslims.Presently, all these functions are being performed by the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA), Sanitation Directorate, Environment Wing, Roads Directorate and Culture and Sports Directorate. It would also regulate affixing of signboards and advertisements except where this function is being performed by the CDA. The metropolitan corporation  would also collect approved taxes, rates, rents, tolls, charges, fines and penalties, regulate markets and services and issue licenses, permits, grant permissions and impose penalties for violations, manage properties, assets and funds vested in the local government.

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Islamabad Property:

Islamabad buildings

Islamabad Property:
This refers to the news report, ‘FG Employees Housing Foundation awaits
NoC from CDA’ (November 20), regarding construction of multi-storey
apartment buildings in G-13. We, the residents, are opposed to this
project for two reasons. First, the Housing Foundation has increased the
height of these buildings four times. This is a grave violation of the
original plan shown to the allottees and is not legally sustainable.
 property for sale in islamabad:
Habitat, a welfare society constituted of residents, has already taken this
case to the Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman). Second, the project is flawed from
a town-planning perspective. How can the sector infrastructure, designed for
6,000 households, cater to the needs of 9,000 households? There are only two
entry points which would be choked. Schools will not be able to accommodate
the extra number of children. The roads and the sewerage system, poorly
constructed by FWO, have already petered out. CDA should not approve this
project in a hurry.

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7 Marla Beautiful Houses for Sale in BAHRIA TOWN Phase-8

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CDA Arranges An Environment Awareness Walk Today

Islamabad Property:

CDA (Capital Development Authority) will organize an awareness walk for the conservation of environment and usage of overhead bridges by the pedestrians. The campaign has been arranged in collaboration with SKANS School of Accountancy and today (Thursday), a public walk will be held in this regard. The walk will start from Saudi-Pak Tower and end at the Centaurus. The aim of this walk is to discourage the polluting habits and encouraging the cleanliness of environment. The campaign will also highlight the health issues caused by poor sewerage systems and its negative impacts on wildlife and green environment. 

property for sale in Islamabad:

CDA Arranges An Environment Awareness Walk Today

Islamabad Property:

CDA (Capital Development Authority) will organize an awareness walk for the conservation of environment and usage of overhead bridges by the pedestrians. The campaign has been arranged in collaboration with SKANS School of Accountancy and today (Thursday), a public walk will be held in this regard. The walk will start from Saudi-Pak Tower and end at the Centaurus. The aim of this walk is to discourage the polluting habits and encouraging the cleanliness of environment. The campaign will also highlight the health issues caused by poor sewerage systems and its negative impacts on wildlife and green environment. 

property for sale in Islamabad:

Housing scheme clarifies report; The News stands by its story

Islamabad Property:

The management of Margala View Housing Scheme (MVHS) would like to clarify a news report
‘Land mafias violating CDA rules with impunity’ published in ‘The News’ on September 10, 2013.

Noland has been grabbed by it as the entire area is in lawful ownership/possession of MVHS.
The story seems to be based on wrong information. Some persons had filed a complaint / petition
in the Supreme Court in September 2011. The apex court on the basis of information provided by
CDA has disposed off the Application (HRC No. 32129 - G/2011), as the allegations were found 
baseless.
The complainant has submitted this application in CDA as well to defame and blackmail 
TCHL and we reserve the right to take him in the court of Law. Recently the said persons
filed another writ petition in the Islamabad High Court regarding shifting of main mosque
of the scheme. In this case it is clarified that the land of mosque is not being used for
commercial building. The factual position that only location has been changed according 
to the Revised Layout Plan. This change of location has been endorsed by the Margallians
Welfare Association (MWA), formed by the residents of the society.

Property for sale in Islamabad.

CDA To Construct Rooms In Parliament Lodges

Islamabad Property:

CDA (Capital Development Authority) plans to construct 50 new rooms in the Parliament Lodges.
For the employees of Parliamentarians, CDA developed 100 new quarters and now the additional 400 servant quarters would be erected by the authority.
The said project would cost around Rs. 3 billion. The construction work on the 50 new lodges would be completed by January, 2014.

Property for sale in Islamabad.

CDA to construct three new flyovers in Islamabad

Islamabad Property:

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) will construct three new flyovers at Peshawar Morr, IJ Principal Road and 7th Avenue to make the traffic flow smooth in the Capital.

Talking to media, CDA official said that confidence of the masses in the civic body has increased and the authority is now devising a development strategy. The CDA is making PC-1 for these projects, he added.
He said that special attention is being paid on the infrastructure of the city and flyovers. Moreover, all the roads in the city would be gradually carpeted, he said, adding that Fazl-e-Haq Road and Nazimuddin Roads would be connected to the roads on the other side of Faisal Avenue through an underpass.
He said that after the completion of these projects, the traffic flow in the city would be improved.

 Property for sale in Islamabad.

Need to protect precious birds in Margalla stressed

Islamabad Property:

Precious species of birds present in abundance in Margalla Hills – adjacent to the federal capital – are facing severe threats to their existence.
The romanticism of Margalla Hills seemed to have attracted a large number of birds, as about 460 different species of birds are reported to be settled there.
One can hardly witness such a large variety of birds anywhere else in the country in a limited area, having a combination of many ecological components, which makes it a unique location.
Birds, which play an important role in enhancing the beauty of the nature, are precious assets, the safety of which should be among the top priorities of the authorities and the locals alike. But unfortunately, no attention is being paid to safeguard this asset.

Birds like chief pheasant, monal and alexandrine parakeet, present in abundance in Margalla Hills, are facing threats and there is a dire need to preserve these species of birds,” said Safan Shahab Ahmad, an environment expert.
He said that pheasant and monal were among the most precious species and more parks should be established to preserve them, besides putting a ban on cutting of trees to save their nests. He urged the citizens, civil society and the government to make joint efforts to protect the environment at the hills.

>> property for sale in Islamabad.

CDA comes under fire for deforestation

Islamabad Property:

 Members of the Senate Thursday strongly criticised performance of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for continuous deforestation in and around the federal capital.

The senators made these observations during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on the Cabinet and Capital Development and Administration (CAD) held here at the Parliament House. Senior official of the Cabinet division and CAD, CDA Chairman Nadeem Hasan Asif, CDA board members, deputy commissioner Islamabad property and other officials also attended the meeting.

Senator Mushahidullah Khan who hails from the ruling party said the Constitution of Pakistan was being breached through violation of the CDA Act and its regulations. “Housing societies are issued NoC on plain papers and there is nobody to hold those responsible accountable,” he said.

Senator Sughra Imam of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) also observed that the civic body was not functioning according to rules and regulations. She also pointed that the average temperature of property for sale in Islamabad had increased due to continuous cutting of trees.

Senator Najma Hameed of the PML-N said there is dearth of efficient and honest officials in the CDA and that is why officers from Punjab are being deputed in the authority.

The standing committee of the Senate also directed CDA officials to submit report about issues relating to sectors D-12 and E-12 and development work at these two sectors. property for sale in islamabad.

Public park still being used for parking

Islamabad Property, June 10: The civic agency of Islamabad has failed to take any action for retrieval of a public park from the Employees’ Old-Age Benefit Institute (EOBI) which has converted it into a parking space for its under-construction tower in I-8 sector.
It may be noted that before the EOBI started work on its commercial building in the sector, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) management last year allowed it to use the park for parking. Under the law, public parks cannot be used for commercial purposes.
The EOBI had purchased two commercial plots at I-8 Markaz from the open market for the establishment of the commercial tower.
In April this year, CDA Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz while talking to Dawn had promised to address the issue, adding if there was a violation his management would retrieve the land from the developer.
“So far, nobody has taken any notice of the issue and we are forced to request the chief justice of Pakistan to take suo motu notice of the matter,” said Iftikhar Ahmed, a resident of the I-8 sector, while talking to Dawn.
He said in sheer violation of a Supreme Court ruling the CDA had allowed the EOBI to convert the developed public park into a parking space for its under-construction commercial building.
“You cannot alter the master plan of the city for accommodating any developer,” asserted the Mr Ahmed.
He recalled that in 2006, the Supreme Court had also cancelled a lease between the CDA and a citizen for the construction of a mini-golf club in Jubilee Park, Sector F-7 Markaz.
The apex court had observed: “Admittedly a public park, if it is earmarked in a housing scheme, creates a right amongst the public… [to enter] the park without any obstacle. It is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 26 read with Article 9 of the Constitution.”
It further said: “The liberty of a person to have access to or utilise a right available to him cannot be taken away by converting such a facility into a commercial one for the purpose of extending benefit to a third person.”
Obaid Abbasi, a high court lawyer, added that the Islamabad Land Disposal Regulations 2005 had declared parking space a commercial revenue-generation activity.
He said the Islamabad Land Disposal Regulations 2005’s Clause 3(2) stated that “parking plazas fall in the category of commercial plots.” So allowing parking in a public park area is a clear violation of CDA land rules, he added.
Irfan Niazi, another resident of the area and a football enthusiast, added: “CDA chairman did order an inquiry in April but we are still waiting for a positive outcome since the ground is yet to be restored in its original shape.”He added: “I don’t know why the CDA Board is silent on the matter and has not yet taken any action knowing the fact that both the EOBI and the authority have violated the Supreme Court order by converting the public park into a parking area just to accommodate a developer.”
However, when contacted, the CDA chairman, Syed Tahir Shahbaz, maintained: “An inquiry is already in progress and let me assure you that a decision will be taken on merit.”
He added: “Our planning department has issued a notice to the EOBI the time the matter was raised by the residents and an action will be taken shortly.”

Restaurants polluting area around Pir Sohawa

Islamabad Property: The growing trend of setting up restaurants at Pir Sohawa is a major reason for pollution at the picturesque landscape of Margalla Hills.
“The set-up of private restaurants and their activities is a matter of concern for nature lovers, as there was a time the place was considered a popular spot for those who wanted to enjoy the glimpses of nature, but now the rush of private cars and public gatherings have spoiled the soothing environment,” said a visitor at Pir Sohawa while commenting on a popular restaurant.
Another group of young students commented that they used to enjoy the beauty of nature during hiking in the evening but now they see huge rush at the weekends and the growing traffic sometimes disturbs the mood.
“These places are supposed to serve the people as recreational spots, but these public buildings have blocked the view, and now only those visitors can enjoy the view who can pay to these restaurants,” said Adnan, a senior citizen, while talking to APP.
He said the authorities concerned should keep in mind the needs of nature lovers and the future of the area of Pir Sohawa, which will become more polluted in the future if the matter is not taken seriously. Islamabad Property

Public park still being used for parking

Islamabad Property, June 10: The civic agency of Islamabad has failed to take any action for retrieval of a public park from the Employees’ Old-Age Benefit Institute (EOBI) which has converted it into a parking space for its under-construction tower in I-8 sector.
It may be noted that before the EOBI started work on its commercial building in the sector, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) management last year allowed it to use the park for parking. Under the law, public parks cannot be used for commercial purposes.
The EOBI had purchased two commercial plots at I-8 Markaz from the open market for the establishment of the commercial tower.
In April this year, CDA Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz while talking to Dawn had promised to address the issue, adding if there was a violation his management would retrieve the land from the developer.
“So far, nobody has taken any notice of the issue and we are forced to request the chief justice of Pakistan to take suo motu notice of the matter,” said Iftikhar Ahmed, a resident of the I-8 sector, while talking to Dawn.
He said in sheer violation of a Supreme Court ruling the CDA had allowed the EOBI to convert the developed public park into a parking space for its under-construction commercial building.
“You cannot alter the master plan of the city for accommodating any developer,” asserted the Mr Ahmed.
He recalled that in 2006, the Supreme Court had also cancelled a lease between the CDA and a citizen for the construction of a mini-golf club in Jubilee Park, Sector F-7 Markaz.
The apex court had observed: “Admittedly a public park, if it is earmarked in a housing scheme, creates a right amongst the public… [to enter] the park without any obstacle. It is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 26 read with Article 9 of the Constitution.”
It further said: “The liberty of a person to have access to or utilise a right available to him cannot be taken away by converting such a facility into a commercial one for the purpose of extending benefit to a third person.”
Obaid Abbasi, a high court lawyer, added that the Islamabad Property Land Disposal Regulations 2005 had declared parking space a commercial revenue-generation activity.
He said the Islamabad Land Disposal Regulations 2005’s Clause 3(2) stated that “parking plazas fall in the category of commercial plots.” So allowing parking in a public park area is a clear violation of CDA land rules, he added.
Irfan Niazi, another resident of the area and a football enthusiast, added: “CDA chairman did order an inquiry in April but we are still waiting for a positive outcome since the ground is yet to be restored in its original shape.”He added: “I don’t know why the CDA Board is silent on the matter and has not yet taken any action knowing the fact that both the EOBI and the authority have violated the Supreme Court order by converting the public park into a parking area just to accommodate a developer.”
However, when contacted, the CDA chairman, Syed Tahir Shahbaz, maintained: “An inquiry is already in progress and let me assure you that a decision will be taken on merit.”
He added: “Our planning department has issued a notice to the EOBI the time the matter was raised by the residents and an action will be taken shortly.”

Water goes scarce in twin cities

Islamabad Property: The residents of twin cities are facing an acute water shortage due to apathy and negligence of the authorities concerned.
The residents of the most populated residential sectors in Islamabad Property, including G6, G7, G8, G9 and G10 are among the worst hit areas.
In these sectors, water is being supplied for only half an hour, which is insufficient to meet the requirements of the residents.
Talking to APP, Ashfaq Ahmed and Salman Tahir, residents of Sector G6, said that they had lodged several complaints to the relevant offices, requesting for water tankers to meet the daily needs, but the water inquiry does not respond.
Another senior citizen, Abdul Rehman, said that at times, residents did not have enough water even for ablution. The residents hoped that the new government would take measures to overcome the water shortage and facilitate the people with sufficient water.
An official of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) said frequent power outages were the main hurdle in the smooth supply of water to the residents of the capital.
He said that the CDA would resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Over in Rawalpindi, suspension of water supply since long has triggered outrage and anguish among the residents of Chaklala Village.
The only tube well of the area reportedly went out of order three weeks ago. Residents say they were not at the mercy of water tanker owners who have unleashed loot and plunder by exploiting the situation.
The area has approximately 1,000 families, and the streets are too narrow for water tankers to pass.
The residents said that the tube well had been dysfunctional since the last 22 days, and they were befooled in the name of repair work every day they approach the authorities concerned.
Pipes are reportedly fitted and dislodged every day, but the tube well remains dysfunctional.
Meanwhile, the water filtration plant of Dhoke Lalial is also not functioning for the past two weeks, but the authorities concerned are paying no heed to repairing the plant.
The residents have demanded the Public Health Engineering Department to arrange for removal of the fault in the tube well to ensure supply of water to them. agencies

Islamabad to be made hub of cultural activities

Islamabad Property: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz has said that Islamabad Property will be made a hub of cultural activities, as these activities are the best source of recreation and amusement for the people.
Addressing the concluding ceremony of Margalla Festival, Shahbaz said the CDA would make all-out efforts to promote the regional cultures of Pakistan in the federal capital.
He said that the civic body would celebrate the Margalla Festival as an annual festival. He said that prominent artists and singers from across the country, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, performed brilliantly and entertained the residents of the city.
He said that the residents of the twin cities had enthusiastically participated in the Margalla Festival and highly encouraged the performance of artists.
“Visitors have shown their keen interest in the handicrafts and embroideries of regional artists who have demonstrated their outstanding professional art skills at various stalls in the festival. Besides the local public, a large number of foreigners also attended the 10-day Margalla Festival’s activities and appreciated the skills of our hardworking artists,” the chairman said.
Shahbaz directed the officers of the Sports and Cultural Directorate to organise different tournaments of cricket, hockey, football and other games on the pattern of Margalla Festival, and said that such activities would enable the youth to show their abilities in different sporting events.
He ordered for necessary repair, maintenance work, upgrading and beautification of sports grounds in the city.
Tahir Shahbaz lauded the performance of artists and said that they had provided great entertainment and amusement to the visitors with their outstanding performance. The CDA chairman visited different stalls and pavilions of artists and appreciated their handmade work.
On the occasion, Administration Member Munir Ahmed Chaudhry informed the CDA chief that during the 10-days festival, artists from all over the country, particularly from Gilgit-Baltistan and Hunza Valley, demonstrated their artistic skills brilliantly.
On the last day of Margalla Festival, artists from Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir displayed their professional arts. A large number of people participated in the festival and appreciated the efforts of the CDA.
Meanwhile, residents of the federal capital enthusiastically participated in the Margalla Festival and highly encouraged the performance of artists.
Horses dancing on drumbeat particularly amused the children. “It’s about enjoying the atmospherics and good food,” said Umer Munir, who had also come with his wife and a daughter. “These are our customs. This is the kind of heritage worth preserving. Such festivals must be arranged in the future,” he added.

Public park still being used for parking

Islamabad Property, June 10: The civic agency of Islamabad has failed to take any action for retrieval of a public park from the Employees’ Old-Age Benefit Institute (EOBI) which has converted it into a parking space for its under-construction tower in I-8 sector.
It may be noted that before the EOBI started work on its commercial building in the sector, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) management last year allowed it to use the park for parking. Under the law, public parks cannot be used for commercial purposes.
The EOBI had purchased two commercial plots at I-8 Markaz from the open market for the establishment of the commercial tower.
In April this year, CDA Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz while talking to Dawn had promised to address the issue, adding if there was a violation his management would retrieve the land from the developer.
“So far, nobody has taken any notice of the issue and we are forced to request the chief justice of Pakistan to take suo motu notice of the matter,” said Iftikhar Ahmed, a resident of the I-8 sector, while talking to Dawn.
He said in sheer violation of a Supreme Court ruling the CDA had allowed the EOBI to convert the developed public park into a parking space for its under-construction commercial building.
“You cannot alter the master plan of the city for accommodating any developer,” asserted the Mr Ahmed.
He recalled that in 2006, the Supreme Court had also cancelled a lease between the CDA and a citizen for the construction of a mini-golf club in Jubilee Park, Sector F-7 Markaz.
The apex court had observed: “Admittedly a public park, if it is earmarked in a housing scheme, creates a right amongst the public… [to enter] the park without any obstacle. It is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 26 read with Article 9 of the Constitution.”
It further said: “The liberty of a person to have access to or utilise a right available to him cannot be taken away by converting such a facility into a commercial one for the purpose of extending benefit to a third person.”
Obaid Abbasi, a high court lawyer, added that the Islamabad Land Disposal Regulations 2005 had declared parking space a commercial revenue-generation activity.
He said the Islamabad Property Disposal Regulations 2005’s Clause 3(2) stated that “parking plazas fall in the category of commercial plots.” So allowing parking in a public park area is a clear violation of CDA land rules, he added.
Irfan Niazi, another resident of the area and a football enthusiast, added: “CDA chairman did order an inquiry in April but we are still waiting for a positive outcome since the ground is yet to be restored in its original shape.”He added: “I don’t know why the CDA Board is silent on the matter and has not yet taken any action knowing the fact that both the EOBI and the authority have violated the Supreme Court order by converting the public park into a parking area just to accommodate a developer.”
However, when contacted, the CDA chairman, Syed Tahir Shahbaz, maintained: “An inquiry is already in progress and let me assure you that a decision will be taken on merit.”
He added: “Our planning department has issued a notice to the EOBI the time the matter was raised by the residents and an action will be taken shortly.”

Clean and Green Islamabad : CDA’s campaign achieves maximum goals

Islamabad Property: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz said the people from all walks of life were actively participating in the ongoing CDA’s campaign ‘Clean and Green Islamabad Property’, which was achieving maximum goals.
He said the sector-wise campaign was bringing natural green environment of the capital to its original shape.
Talking to APP, the CDA official said that in the short period of two months, this campaign had brought a positive result and with the availability of limited funds common issues like sanitation in the sectors ‘I’ and ‘G’ series had been resolved.
The CDA chairman said that the credit of success of this campaign went to the CDA officers, officials, traders, residents of the federal capital and especially to media as it had contributed a lot in disseminating the CDA’s message to grass-roots level.
Appreciating the participation of schoolchildren, he said the students had vigorously participated in the campaign and helped the CDA to convey message to those who stayed home during campaign.
Syed Tahir Shahbaz said the continuity of this campaign showed that the residents were taking keen interest in keeping the capital clean and green.
He directed the formations of the authority concerned to remain stationed at camp office for three days. He also asked the citizens to keep in contact with the CDA officials and register their complaints so that they could be resolved on priority. app

CDA to establish commercial hub in I12

Islamabad Property: Capital Development Authority (CDA) has planned to establish state-of-the-art commercial hub in Sector I12 for promotion of trade and economic activities in the federal capital.
“CDA Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz said that strategic location of Sector I12 has its great significance as this sector is a gateway between the twin cities,” said a press release.
He said that CDA is striving hard to promote business and economic activities in the capital city, adding that all out efforts would be made to establish Sector I12 as economic base for commercial activities.
CDA chairman directed Planning and Design member to plan the infrastructure in line with modern techniques.
He also directed for a joint and effective consultation with the formations of the authority concerned for the development of state-of-the-art commercial zone in Sector I12.
Syed Tahir Shahbaz said that CDA is offering commercial plots of different categories for open bidding in different developed sectors of the city, including hotels, shopping malls, wedding halls, which would help boost the business and trade activities.
Earlier the Planning and Design member Syed Mustafain Kazmi elaborated the details of the planning of Sector I12 that Planning Wing has demarcated 52 commercial plots in Markaz I12 as per approval of the CDA Board, while size of each commercial plot is 1096 square yard.

Land beyond use to be considered state property: CJP

Islamabad Property: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Wednesday said that the land beyond use will be considered property of the state, saying that this concept of ownership of land is an Islamic concept.
The chief justice gave these remarks while presiding over a nine-member larger bench of the Supreme Court hearing the land reforms case. Justice Iftikhar remarked, “Land beyond use will be considered land owned by state. Thousands of acres land in Balochistan is held by absentee landowners. It is not being cultivated despite availability of water. In order to save the lands, they were transferred in the names of such persons who were not born yet.”
Meanwhile, Advocate Abid Hassan argued, “Wafaqi Shariat Court had already declared the confiscation of land by state against the shariah in land reforms case.” He added that there are several laws in force in the country which are repugnant to shariah but they have been accepted. The chief justice remarked, “In certain constituencies political parties and notables signed the agreements that no woman will cast her vote in these constituencies. In order to save property, it was transferred on false and baseless deeds to such persons who were not born yet. You can resort to parliament that it should legislate to set the limits of land.”
Justice Asif Saeed Khosa observed, “1973 constitution was beautiful confluence of Islam and democracy but the act of investing powers to Federal Shariat Court gave rise to such disturbance that it has not been corrected so far.” The CJP remarked the decision in this case will have repercussions on common man and said that land reforms should lead to change in the economic and social life of the people.
The chief justice observed that the “high court has also said in its decisions that land beyond use will be considered Islamabad property of state. This concept of ownership of land is Islamic concept. However, Abid Hassan Manto contended the “federal shariat court abolished the Islamic concept of ownership of land in Qazalbash case that whosoever cultivates the land should be owner of the land. This principle can lead to end of feudal system and bring about prosperity on economic front. The chief justice noted that thousands of acres land is held by absentee landowners in Balochistan which is not cultivated despite availability of water. “This is a matter of human concern and we will issue orders on it,” he observed. The court directed the attorney general (AG) to seek the stance the federal government and present it before the court. The court told Abid Hassan Manto that besides assisting the court on legal and constitutional points he should inform it if it will be necessary to issue notice by the court or otherwise to the respondents who were made party in Wafaqi Shariat Court. The hearing of the case was adjourned till today (Thursday). online

CDA has no record of its 1,000 vehicles

Islamabad Property, June 4: The administration department of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) does not have registration books and other relevant record of more than 1,000 vehicles which are used for various operational and executive duties.
“We don’t have the ‘original registration books’ of the vehicles nor do we have any duplicate keys,” maintained a senior official of the authority on condition of anonymity.
The official said that as per existing government rules followed in ministries and even attached departments the keys and original registration books of vehicles were kept by the administration department.
An officer of executive cadre of the CDA told Dawn: “CDA has allotted me a vehicle from its officers’ vehicle pool with original registration copy.”
Not allowed to speak to the media, the officer said: “If the registration book is lost, it will definitely affect the resale value of the vehicle.”
A finance wing official said that if the authority decided to auction executive vehicles or vehicles which are not required, the missing registration book issue of vehicles will cause financial loss to the authority heavily.”
The official admitted that they were in knowledge that over 300 vehicles of the CDA have no registration books.
“The registration books are either lost or the administration department has no clue about them,” added the official.
Another officer at the CDA when asked whether he was keeping any registration book of his Double Cabin vehicle currently he was using them, he said: “I am keeping over three registration books of the cars which have been in my use for the last four
years.”
He added: “No body has ever asked me to return the registration books of any of the vehicles which I have already handed over to the administration department.”
The official said that since there was no policy regarding use of official vehicles every officer in different departments of the authority was at liberty to keep the registration books of the vehicles.
“Since there is no policy so there are no guidelines then,” asserted the official.
When approached an administration department official he claimed that there was a policy but it could not be implemented in letter and spirit because of poor administration and week governance.
“Every department has a policy and we also have a vehicle policy like the administration department at the CDA is mandated to keep the duplicate keys of the vehicles along with original registration books of the vehicles currently in use of different officers
of the authority,” said the official.
The official said that they would also initiate disciplinary proceedings against the officials who would fail to submit the original registration books of vehicles since these books were the Islamabad property of the CDA.

DA to develop I-12 as commercial hub

Islamabad Property: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) plans to development Sector I-12 as a state-of-the-art commercial hub of twin cities for promotion of trade and economic activities.
CDA Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz on Friday chaired a meeting to review progress on planning and designing of commercial plots in Sector I-12. On the occasion, Member Planning and Design Syed Mustafain Kazmi and concerned officers of the Planning Wing were present on the occasion.
The CDA chairman said that Sector I-12 has great significance as it is a gateway between the twin cities of Islamabad Property and Rawalpindi. He said that the CDA is striving hard to promote business and economic activities in the capital, adding that all-out efforts would be made to develop Sector I-12 as an economic base for commercial activities.
The chairman directed the member planning and design to plan the infrastructure in line with modern techniques. He also directed for a joint and effective consultation with the concerned formations of the authority for the development of the state-of-the-art commercial zone in Sector I-12.
Syed Tahir Shahbaz said that the CDA is offering commercial plots of different categories for open bidding in different developed sectors of the city, including hotels, shopping malls and wedding halls, which would help boost the business and trade activities in the federal capital.
Earlier, Member Planning and Design Syed Mustafain Kazmi said that the Planning and designing Wing has demarcated 52 commercial plots in Markaz I-12 as per approval of the CDA Board and the size of each commercial plot is 1,096 square yards.
He said that the design theme of Markaz I-12 would be Twin-City Saddar Market, while all four provinces of Pakistan have been represented in the design theme with the 5th block of Gilgit-Baltistan having Kashmir Mall. He said that all blocks have been interconnected in a way to facilitate pedestrians without any hassle. The member planning and design further informed that two plots for hotels have also been planned, adding that a mosque would be constructed in Markaz I-12. He said that all commercial plots would be offered through open bidding in transparent manner.
CDA Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz said that Sector I-12 is located along I J Principal Road and is a centre of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad Property. In addition to all these advantages, Markaz I-12 would be the best business and trade centre of twin cities.

Margalla Town residents face acute water shortage

Islamabad Property:
The residents of five streets of Margalla Town, Islamabad Property, have been badly hit by the shortage of water for last 10 days after the Capital Development Authority (CDA) installed a valve in Street 27.
The residents of streets 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34, Margalla Town, who visited the office of ‘The News’ here on Monday, alleged that some 10 days ago, the CDA staff visited their neighbourhood and fitted a valve in Street 27. Since then, they are deprived of water supply, creating great hardships for them in the scorching weather.
The residents, including Moeen Ilyas, his cousin Haris Haseeb, Rashid Khan, Advocate Khanzada, Mohammad Ameen and Ayub Raja, said that they had brought the matter into the notice of CDA Director General Services Shahid Mahmood for getting the water shortage problem resolved.
According to the DG Services, the CDA fitted the valve in Street 27 to link water supply lines with other streets in Margalla Town. However, if the water supply has been suspended then he would get the problem resolved in a couple of days.
However, the residents believed that the purpose of the CDA to fit a valve was to suspend water supply to the five streets including 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34 and not to connect water pipelines with other streets.
According to complainants, there is not even a single drop of water in their houses. They said that there is only one tube well operating in their locality which is of low horsepower and cannot cater to the needs of the Margalla Town residents.
They said that the CDA has also failed to provide them with water through its water tankers. The residents, having no option, have to hire private water bowzers whose rate is not less than Rs2,000 per tanker. “As the charges of private tankers are inflated, the CDA chairman should take immediate steps to resolve our problem,” they demanded.
They threatened to hold a protest demonstration if their problems are resolved within a day or two.On the other hand, when this correspondent contacted CDA Water Directorate Deputy Director Mohammad Tahir, he said the problem of water shortage is occurring only due to unscheduled timings of power loadshedding. As many streets in Margalla Town are located at a height, the CDA fitted two valves to smoothen water supply. Not only the dwellers of Margalla Town, but residents of other sectors are also being affected because of excessive power outages. He said with reduction in loadshedding hours, the problem of water scarcity would end.

Margalla festival draws crowds

Islamabad Property, June 1: The opening day of the 10-day Margalla Festival on Saturday saw families flooding the lawns of the arts and crafts village in Shakarparyan.
“This is an opportunity for the people to explore the national heritage and cultures of all the provinces, including, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir,” said Tahir Shahbaz, the chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) after inaugurating the event with PML-N legislator Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
Organised by the sports and cultural wing of the civic agency, the opening night celebrated Punjabi folk music and dances.
According to Asif Javed Shahjahan, the director general of the sports and culture wing, each night would be dedicated to different performances.
June 2 will be dedicated to Sindhi culture and June 4 would be celebrated as Balochistan day.
He said there would be an exclusive show on Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan culture on June 6 while June 7 would be celebrated as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa day.
Some of the visitors found the beats of dhol irresistible and were seen dancing.
“These are our customs and beliefs. This is the kind of heritage worth preserving,” said Sajad Shah, a resident of Islamabad Property, who had brought his family to the event.
“It’s about enjoying the atmospherics and the good food,” said Omar Raja, who had also come with his wife and a daughter.
“It is always pleasing to see how unique our traditions are,” said Hamad Raza, who had come with college friends. The concluding ceremony of the festival would be held on June 9.

CDA to provide recreational opportunities: chairman

Islamabad Property: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz said it is the responsibility of civic body to provide better recreational facilities to residents of the federal capital.
He said such activities will not only help in flourishing and revival of the country’s traditions but would also promote soft image of the country.
He along with National Assembly member Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry was inaugurating the Margalla Festival arranged by Sports and Culture directorate at Arts and Craft Village. Administration member Munir Ahmed Chaudhry, Engineering member Sanaullah Aman, Sports and Culture director general, director and other officers of the authority were also present at the occasion.
The chairman said a number of renowned artists from the country would perform at the Margalla Festival and expressed the hope that it would provide amusement to the residents.
On the occasion, he also added being federal capital of the country, Islambad is a symbol of unity for all the federating units including the four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, whereas participation of the artists would also provide a chance to the residents to endear the national heritage and culture.
On this occasion, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry appreciated the efforts of CDA for organizing Margalla Festival.
He said that such activities provided healthy recreational opportunity for the residents and such type of events should be organized on regular basis.
Appreciating the tremendous efforts of Sports and Culture Directorate for organizing Margalla Festival he said that such activities would not only provide recreational opportunity but would also helpful in promoting rich culture and heritage of Pakistan.

CDA planes to establish commercial hub in I-12

Islamabad Property: Alike other sectors of the Capital, Sector I-12 has many peculiarities due to its strategic location and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has planned to establish state-of-the-art commercial hub of twin cities for promotion of trade and economic activities in the Federal Capital. This was stated by Chairman CDA, Syed Tahir Shahbaz while presiding a meeting here at CDA Headquarters on Tuesday, while reviewing progress on planning and design of commercial plots in Sector I-12. On this occasion, Member Planning and Design, Syed Mustafain Kazmi and concerned officers of Planning Wing were also present. He said that strategic location of Sector I-12 had its great significance as this sector was a gateway between the twin cities of Islamabad Property and Rawalpindi. He said that CDA was striving hard to promote business and economic activities in the capital city, adding that all out efforts would be made to establish Sector I-12 as economic base for commercial activities. Chairman CDA directed member Planning and Design to plan the infrastructure in line with modern techniques with quality. He also directed for a joint and effective consultation with the concerned formations of the authority for the development of state-of-the-art commercial zone in Sector I-12. Shahbaz said that CDA was offering commercial plots of different categories for open bidding in different developed sectors of the city including hotels, shopping malls, wedding halls, which would help boost the business and trade activities in the federal capital. Earlier Kazmi elaborated the details of the planning of Sector I-12 that Planning Wing had demarcated 52 commercial plots in Markaz I-12 as per approval of the CDA Board. Size of each commercial plot is 1096 square yard. He said that the design theme of Markaz I-12 would be Twin-City Saddar Market, while all four provinces of the country have been represented in the design theme with 5th block of Gilgit-Baltistan having Kashmir Mall. He said that all the blocks have been interconnected in a way to facilitate the pedestrians without any hassle. Kazmi further informed that two plots for hotels had also been planned, adding that a mosque would be constructed in Markaz I-12.

Cash-strapped CDA wants private investors

Islamabad Property, May 28: Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) Tahir Shahbaz said residential projects could no longer be launched in the federal capital without a joint venture with private partners, and the CDA Ordinance had to be amended for that.
He said this while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat and the Capital Administration and Development (CAD) on Tuesday.
Discussing the affairs of the Multi-Professional Employees Cooperative Housing Society (MPECHS), he said during the tenure of former chairman Kamran Lashari, the civic body had invited private partners to develop the northern strip of Sector E-11.
MPECHS had been a successful bidder and had not only vacated the land from encroachers but had also developed it.
On April 15, 2011 the Supreme Court had struck down a joint venture to develop 54acres of land since there was no provision in the CDA Ordinance for such ventures.
“We have been facing financial problems in starting a new residential project, and because of the flaws in the ordinance we cannot vacate the land,” the chairman said.
He said there were two types of awards which the CDA gave whenever it acquired a plot by vacating it; a land award and a build-up-property (BUP) award.
The land award was paid to compensate for the land (in the form of cash and a plot), while the BUP was paid to compensate for any building constructed on that land.
“Whenever the CDA makes a deal for the land award, people start constructing buildings, sometimes a single room, to get the BUP as well. This makes it impossible for the CDA to cater to all demands,” the chairman added.
However, representative of housing society Chaudhry Majeed said the CDA’s faulty rules were the reason why the civic body could not vacate land from the people.
“The CDA is the only authority in Pakistan which gives money as well as plots against the land and also pays for the buildings, while private companies make package deals with the land owners to get possession of the plot.
“Although CDA has acquired sector G-12, 40,000 houses were present there and now it is impossible for the CDA to provide 40,000 plots,” he said.
Mr Majeed claimed the civic body had to pay the dues of the housing society as per the Supreme Court orders, but the society had not received the dues worth Rs1.26 billion due to which it had to contact the court.

CDA struggles to overcome problems of water supply

Islamabad Property:
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is still struggling to overcome problems in water supply to various sectors.
CDA Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz Thursday said that power generators would be installed at the sites of tube wells in Islamabad in a few days to ensure smooth water supply to the residents.
He said that a mobile generator of 250KVA of the CDA Sports and Culture Directorate has already been shifted to the Sector G-10 water tanker filling point, which would help in reducing water complaints. In addition to this, water tankers of the Environment and Sports & Culture Wings have already been handed over to the Water Management Wing.
CDA Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz said this while talking to journalists on the occasion of launching ceremony of the sector-wise ‘Clean and Green Islamabad’ campaign in Sector F-11 here on Thursday.
The CDA chairman said that in order to control water shortage in some sectors of Islamabad Property, the CDA has taken sound steps. He said that the repair and maintenance of all off-road water tankers is under process and the CDA management has already released funds.
He said that the cooperation and participation of residents in the ongoing ‘Clean and Green Islamabad’ campaign is commendable and CDA needs same cooperation and sense of responsibility from residents to cope with the water shortage issue.
The CDA chairman said that he is monitoring the water situation on daily basis and the issue will be controlled in a few days. He said that as sufficient water stock is available in Khanpur and Simly reservoirs, the CDA has increased supply of water from Simly Dam to cope with the shortage of water supplied through tube wells.
Syed Tahir Shahbaz said that the sector-wise ‘Clean and Green Islamabad’ campaign was started about one and a half months back from Sector I-10 and phase-wise shifted to different sectors of Islamabad Property.

CDA directs to expedite Margalla construction work

Islamabad Property: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz has directed the Engineering Wing to expedite the pace of construction work on the avenue as per international standards by utilizing all available resources so that the commuters could enjoy the facility.
Chairman CDA said that Margalla Avenue would not only provide an easy access to the commuters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) but also reduce the traffic burden on Kashmir Highway, while entering the Federal Capital.
Talking to APP, CDA official said that Margalla Avenue Project was initiated to facilitate the traffic from GT Road at the cost of Rs 588 million.
He said that Margalla Avenue was 9 kilometers long with culverts, adding that the avenue would consist of 2 lanes of 12 feet width on each side.
The chairman issued directives to the authority concerned to accelerate the pace of development work on Margalla Avenue so that it could be completed within stipulated time.
Schedule announced for Margalla Festival: CDA’s Sports and Culture Directorate has announced the schedule for Margalla Festival 2013.
“Festival would start from May 31 and would remain continue till June 9 at Arts and Craft Village,” said a press release.
Margalla Festival will be inaugurated on May 31 at 8pm. Artist from all the four provinces, including Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir will entertain the visitors with their musical and cultural programs.
In addition, CDA has also established a food court area and stalls of different categories and the stalls are being booked in the Arts and Craft Village.
It is noted that June 1 would be celebrated as Punjab day and artist will present culture and folk of Punjab. June 2 would be dedicated to Sindh culture, June 4 would be celebrated as Balochistan day. There would be an exclusive show on Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan culture on June 6, whereas June 7 would be celebrated as Khyber PakhtunKhwa day.

Land for road to Bahria Enclave: Official causes Rs5bn loss to CDA

Islamabad Property, May 28: An inquiry has held the director general of the CDA planning division responsible for causing a loss of over Rs5 billion to the civic agency by allowing Bahria Town to use 110 kanals of land for the construction of a link road to Bahria Enclave without paying compensation.
According to the inquiry report, available with Dawn, Ghulam Sarwar Sandhu, the planning wing chief, deleted a clause from a letter which had asked Bahria Town to allocate an alternative land of an equal size in the same area.
An official of the CDA on the condition of anonymity said the letter was written by the planning wing director housing societies on Jan 30, 2012, and addressed to the general manager (planning and design) of Bahria Town.
The chairman CDA, Syed Tahir Shahbaz, when contacted by Dawn, added: “I had ordered the inquiry last month mainly on the directions of a judicial commission formed by Islamabad Property.”
“We will submit the inquiry report to the IHC on June 28 as ordered by the court,” he added.
An official in the authority added that on October 12, 2011, Bahria Town sought permission for construction of a 1.53-km-long road in Mouza Kuri to get an access to its housing society, Bahria Enclave, in Zone-IV.
The housing society was launched in July 2011. He said the entire area of Mouza Kurri was acquired by the CDA during the last four decades.
“The right of way to access Bahria Town was 120 feet wide and needed 110 kanals of land. The road is now completed,” said the official.
He maintained that on the demand of the civic agency, Bahria Town had in writing offered 110 kanals in the nearby Mauza.
A land directorate official added: “After a presentation given by Ghulam Sarwar Sandhu on January 2012, the CDA board approved the access route to the housing society of the Bahria Town.”
The inquiry report said: “Construction of the road would be allowed on the condition that Bahria Town will build two link roads – one 3.5km from Kuri Model Village site and the other – 1.5km – to the dumping site located close to Bahria Enclave.”
The CDA board also approved that “these roads would be the property of the civic agency which shall also possess their right of way.”
Secondly, the land used in the construction of the roads was to be compensated by the Bahria Town.
But, according to the official, the planning wing dropped one of the two conditions under which Bahria Town was to compensate the CDA for the 110 kanals.
The report said on Jan 30, 2012, the planning wing director general wrote a note to the members of the CDA board, then headed by Farkhand Iqbal, stating: “It is submitted that earlier the proposal for land compensation was for a stretch of 1.5km and now it has been decided to ask Bahria Town to construct an additional 3.5 km-long-road though Kuri Model Village.”
The director general had also noted, according to the inquiry report, that if the compensation was asked by the CDA (against the allotted 110 kanal area), the road would not remain a thoroughfare and its ownership would be claimed by Bahria Town anytime.

CDA Board approves auction of 10 commercial plots

Islamabad Property:
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board okayed auction of 10 commercial plots, while rejecting bids of four others, which would enable the civic body to fetch nearly Rs3.2 billion from the bidding exercise held on May 21 and 22.
The bids were accepted in the CDA Board meeting which was held in the absence of CDA Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz, who was on an official visit to Turkey. The member finance, who is acting chairman, presided over the meeting.
A CDA official said they have also received Rs802 million as 25% of the total payment of 10 auctioned plots.
The CDA board rejected bids of four commercial plots observing that they have not been able to receive benchmark price. One of the four plots rejected by the CDA board includes plot No.57-C (2844.4 square yards) of Blue Area for which Rs307,000 per square yards were offered.
The board meeting also accepted bids of three commercial plots, each of them measuring 1333.33 square yards on which 22-storey high rise plazas would be raised. These three plots, however, would fetch much lower price as compared to bids offers of the last auction held in March, this year.
“The price received by these three plots will be Rs1,430 million as compared to previous total offers of Rs1,862 million,” the CDA sources.
The insiders in CDA told this correspondent that previous highest bids were cancelled by the CDA officials with the connivance of property mafia so that same plots could be sold at lower prices at the next auction.
A CDA official, however, told ‘The News’ that the previous price was also a benchmark but the new prices have also become new benchmark prices.

CDA directs contractors to speed up extension work of Kashmir highway

Islamabad property—The Capital Development Authority (CDA) directed contractors of Kashmir Highway project to speed up the construction work. Talking to APP, the CDA spokesperson said that expansion work of Kashmir highway would be completed by December this year.
He said the Kashmir Highway would be widened to five-lanes from existing two lanes on both sides. The project was estimated to cost Rs 4.8 billion and the expansion work was started in February 2012, he maintained.
Spokesperson said the construction work on new Islamabad Airport would complete by next year. With operational of the airport and expansion of residential sectors/housing societies, woul increase the traffic volumes. Keeping in view the above, the CDA has started the work on construction of widening of the Kashmir Highway.

CDA plans bus rapid transit service

Islamabad Property: The Capital Development Authority is planning to launch Bus Rapid Transit service in the federal capital to facilitate the citizens.
Member Planning and Development CDA Syed Mustafain Kazmi disclosed this while addressing the business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI). He said the CDA was also planning to develop a National Bus Terminal in I-11/4 to shift all transport to stated terminal.
He appreciated the role of businessmen for promoting the local economy and assured that CDA will take priority measures to address all issues of business community to facilitate them. He said CDA would fully cooperate with ICCI for developing a new industrial estate in Islamabad and informed that 60% work had been done to develop I-17 sector. He said the CDA planned to establish parking plazas in commercial areas and open many new sectors including I-12 and I-15. The member planning further said 52 commercial plots would be developed in I-12 to promote business activities.
Kazmi said many reforms were afoot in CDA including revision of bye-laws, computerisation of estate management, land management and other functional areas. These reforms will bring transparency, remove corruption and greatly facilitate the stakeholders of CDA. He assured his full support for ICCI representation in CDA Board and allocation of a cricket to Chamber in Islamabad Property.
Speaking on the occasion, President ICCI Zafar Bakhtawari appreciated the efforts of CDA for initiating various developmental projects in Islamabad and also briefed the member planning about various issues faced by the business community.
Bakhtawari demanded for allocation of a cricket ground to the chamber so that members could take part in healthy activities as well. He raised the issue of change of trade and proposed that CDA should allow change of trade except for negative list which would help promoting investment and business activities. He emphasised upon the CDA to provide car parking facilities in all commercial centers especially in F-6, F-7, F-10 & blue area sectors as well as develop all markets according to present day’s requirements.
He said representation of the ICCI in CDA Board was essential to create a bridge between citizens and the civic agency. This arrangement will also enable the CDA to understand rapidly increasing problems of the city and get input of stakeholders in policy making and decision-making process of mega projects.
Former President ICCI Munawar Mughal said CDA should allow construction of high-rise multi storey apartments and flats in commercial areas to give them on no-profit and no-loss basis to small traders to address their accommodation problems.

CDA to run tube wells on generators for smooth water supply to residents

Islamabad Property:
In view of long hours of power outages, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to use generators to operate tube wells to overcome water shortage in the metropolis.
CDA Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz here on Sunday chaired a meeting of the concerned officials of the civic body to discuss disturbance in water supply to the residents.
He took serious notice of the complaints of water shortage in the city and directed the CDA Water Management Wing to ensure uninterrupted supply of water to the residents of the city.
Taking notice of the sharp increase in water complaints in ‘I’ and ‘G’ sectors, CDA Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz directed the officials of the concerned departments to resolve the issue of water supply on priority. He further directed them to match the power outage schedule with the water supply timings to facilitate the residents.
The CDA chairman also reviewed progress on the complaints of water supply lodged by the residents of the federal capital at the CDA Headquarters.
CDA Member Engineering Sanaullah Aman apprised the chairman that there was sufficient water in Simly Dam due to sufficient rains in March and April, but tube wells could not be operated due to electricity loadshedding.
The CDA chairman directed the member engineering to hire the services of private water tankers in addition to the CDA water tankers. “Strict and effective monitoring system of water supply through tankers will help improve the supply of water to the residents of the city,” he said. He also directed for necessary repair and maintenance of water tankers.
He directed the officials to operate tube wells on generators to help improve the supply of water to the residents. In this connection, one of the generators installed at the CDA Headquarters would be shifted to the tube wells.
Tahir Shahbaz asked the residents of Islamabad Property not to waste clean water in gardening and car washing, which would help save water during the ongoing summer season.
He also directed the security and enforcement directorates for coordinated efforts with the Water Management Wing to take firm action against illegal water supply connections and launch a campaign in this regard. The CDA chairman urged the concerned formations to frame by-laws with the help of Law Wing of CDA, which would be promulgated against illegal water connections in the city.
The CDA member engineering apprised the CDA chairman that the water level in Simly and Khanpur dams has improved due to rains. He further told the CDA chairman that the Water Management Wing has formulated a strategy for meeting the water requirements of the citizens till the end of this year. He said that repair and maintenance work has been expedited on dysfunctional tube wells to increase the water supply.

CDA auctions commercial plots, earns Rs2.6bn

Islamabad Property, May 21: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) received a good response from the public on the first day of the grand auction of commercial plots held at the Convention Centre, earning Rs2.6 billion.
A press release issued by the CDA said the civic authority had offered ten commercial plots for bidding, including shopping centre plots, commercial plots in different Marakiz and commercial plots in Blue Area.
According to the details issued by the CDA’s media wing, Plot No.10 located in F-11 Markaz (measuring 888.88 square yards) had the highest bid of Rs456,000 per square yard.
The lowest bid was made for Plot No.34, G-11 Markaz, measuring 1777.77 square yards at the rate of Rs181,000 per square yard.The auction committee would submit its recommendations to the CDA Board, which is the final authority for the approval of these auctions.

Water shortage hits capital

Islamabad Property, May 21: With the mercury rising, the residents of the federal capital have started facing water shortage.
Residents of G, F and I sectors are fed up with the irregular supplies.
“I don’t see any solution to the water shortage in the near future so it is better to do something on our own instead of facing the same problem during the summer ,” said Ali Tahir.
Around 40 per cent of the total water available for the capital is wasted due to leaking supply lines.
The residents said that it was just the beginning of summer season and water has become too low than demand. They said that the situation hints that the crisis could get extremely worse in coming days.
When contacted by CDA, officials admitted that the civic body receives about 500 water related complaints daily. Putting the whole responsibility on electricity breakdowns, they said hours long load shedding was hampering smooth water supply in some sectors of the federal capital.
However, official said that CDA was working on an emergency basis to replace damaged water lines in different areas of the city.

CDA to ensure smooth supply of water

Islamabad Property: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz directed the water supply wing of the authority to ensure continuous supply of water to the residents of the federal capital and to take measures to repair all broken-lines and leaking water tanks to cope with the shortage of water in the summer.
CDA Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz said this while inaugurating “Clean & Green Islamabad Property” campaign in sector I8.
The CDA chairman has directed Water Supply Wing of the authority to ensure uninterrupted supply of water to the residents of capital city in summer season.
He has also directed Water Management Wing to supply water through water tankers to the sectors facing acute shortage of water.
He said that staff of water management would work round the clock in three shifts so that the complaints could be addressed promptly and services of private tankers would also be hired.
He has also directed repair of all those water tankers, which need necessary maintenance. The chairman CDA has requested the citizen to use the water frugally to avoid its wastage.
Earlier, he visited different areas of Sector I8 to inspect roads, parks, water supply system, sewerage system and grounds.
He directed the authority concerned to carry out repair, maintenance and renovation work in those areas.
Meanwhile residents of sector I10/2 also raised their concerns over lack of water supply in certain areas and said that authority claims such promises every times but doesn’t fulfil them.

Important road projects to be completed in next 5 years

Islamabad Property: National Highways Authority (NHA) expects the road projects having significance of regional and international links will be completed during the next five years.
NHA is looking after 12,131 kilometers (km) long road network all over the country and it is expected road projects having significant of regional and international links will be completed during the next five years.
Participants of 13th Faculty member incharge Sher Afghan Khan visited NHA on Monday. NHA’s member (planning) Raja Nowsherwan gave a detailed briefing regarding functioning of NHA.
National Highway network played a vital role in socio-economic uplift and NHA were endeavoring to establish a countrywide coordinated road network.
He said NHA was maintaining 2,731 km road in Punjab, 2,204 km in Sindh, 1,878 km in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 4,565 km in Balochistan. Total length of new road projects is 3713 km, which will be completed at cost of $3,911 million. NHA is paying particular attention towards road building and Gwadar linkages in Balochistan. Ratodero-Khuzdar-Panjgur Road stands among priorities of NHA. He expressed commitment to reduce traveling time on NHA network to a considerable extent. NHA desires to undertake road projects on Public Private Partnership and Built, Operate, Transfer basis.

‘Improvement of economy should be top priority of new government’

Islamabad Property: Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) said new government should give top priority to improve economy for making sound progress.
President ICCI Zafar Bakhtawari talking to members of Islamabad District Bar Association led by its President Dr Syed M Anwar Shah said election process in the country had almost been completed and it was time to move forward to address the burning issues of the country.
The new government should focus on good governance and political stability, which were must for economic stability and investment in the country, he said.
Bakhtawari said our neighbors China and India were achieving fast economic progress and Pakistan has to catch up with them to remain competitive in the region.
He appreciated the efforts of Islamabad Bar Association in making contribution for the welfare of its members and betterment of society. Dr Syed M Anwar Shah said healthy relationship between ICCI and Islamabad Property District Bar was good for serving the common interests of their members.
ICCI and Islamabad District Bar being the important segments of society should join hands to develop a strong pressure group that could influence the government for implementation of constitutional rights and economic policies.
ICCI former President Munawar Mughal emphasised for shifting district court set ups from F-8 Markaz to G-11 sector, presence of courts and lawyers in this key business centre was badly affecting the business activities. app

Commuters sweat under sun at Zero Point

Islamabad Property: The commuters are exposed to blazing sun and continue to sweat as they wait at Zero Point Interchange which has no proper bus stop and waiting sheds.
Hundreds of commuters’ daily use local transport for traveling in the city, but wait on the roadsides facing hot weather conditions.
Fahim Ahmed, a commuter waiting at Zero Point Islamabad Property bus stop said that he always waited on footpath or the roadside for transport due to absence of proper bus stop and sheds.
He said in the summer season and after monsoon rains it becomes difficult for the commuters to wait in absence of a bus stop.
When contacted an official of CDA said it is planning to construct a proper bus stops and waiting sheds, which were either removed or damaged during construction of the Zero Point Interchange. (APP)

FGEHF steps outside its mandate: Private developers engaged to construct apartments

Islamabad Property, May 15: The Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation (FGEHF) has stepped outside its mandate and engaged private developers to construct residential apartments, Dawn has learnt.
The sources in the Capital Development Authority (CDA) the FGEHF move could cost the exchequer Rs10 billion.
“According to the CDA Ordinance 1960 the FGEHF is mandated to allot only low cost housing units and plots for government employees developed through the civic agency,” said a senior official in the CDA on condition of anonymity.
This had been the practice since the first scheme came out in 1980s when CDA built the Sector I-8.
Similarly, the Federal Government Employees Housing Scheme allotted plots and apartments after CDA acquired land to develop sectors G-11, D-12, E12, G-13 and G-14, the official explained.
However, the FGEHF had already got the plans for the apartment buildings spread over 200 kanals in G-13, altered from the CDA from ground plus three stories to ground plus 14 stories.
The price for alteration or the new architectural redesigning from four storied to 15 storied structures was roughly a colossal Rs100 million.
According to the original plan, the civic agency designed the ground plus three storied apartments only keeping in mind resources and facilities to be provided to residents such as water and sewerage, etc.
The four storied structures were standard requirements in all sectors whenever new housing scheme in Islamabad Property were opened/launched by the CDA to accommodate low income or junior ranking government servants.
“The four storied apartment buildings are designed in G-13 keeping in mind the available space and the basic facilities that CDA can ensure to its residents once they move in,” said the source explaining how the extra floors would put strain on the available services since the sector was not designed for 11 new floors in each building or the extra 3, 000 apartments.
According to the CDAs Estate Wing, Sector G-13 already had some major shortcomings when it came to providing basic facilities to its residents.
Besides ensuring uninterrupted supply of gas, electricity connections, shortage of clean water was the biggest problem in G-13.
“Underground water is insufficient in G-13 and its surrounding sectors. This is why the CDA will be laying a pipeline to bring water from the Khanpur Dam beyond the Margalla Hills to provide water to the National University for Science and Technology (NUST), I-14, I-15, I-16, H-12, G-13 and G-14,” the source said.
The National Reference Manual followed countrywide for building housing schemes, specified how residential accommodation/plots could not accede 55 per cent of the total space of a sector.
But residential accommodations in G-13 were spread across 65 per cent land to meet housing requirements of the rapidly expanding capital city.
With the new design of the apartments would come completely fresh, plans for sizes of roads and parking spaces also to mention some concerns, said the source.
Worst, according to sources in the Estate Wing of CDA, were also to prepare marketing plan for the scheme of the Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation once it was completed. Senior officials in the Estate Wing of the civic agency explained how government housing schemes were never marketed for sale.

Lok Virsa opens Cultural Diorama on Saudi Arabia

Friday, May 17, 2013 - Islamabad Property—Lok Virsa, Ministry of National Heritage & Integration, here on Thursday created a Cultural Diorama on Saudi Arabia “Al-Ghadeer” at Pakistan National Museum of Ethnology (PNME).
For this purpose, Lok Virsa has allocated a spacious hall of 30 x 30 feet within PNME, Heritage Museum for which artifacts were being contributed by the Government of Saudi Arabia through its mission in Islamabad.
In this regard, a ceremony to inaugurate the space for the Saudi diorama was held at Lok Virsa Heritage Museum, which was graced by Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Ibrahim Al-Ghadeer and caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Shahzada Jamal Nazir.
Heritage Museum depicts living cultural traditions and lifestyle of the people of Pakistan having a covered area of 60,000 square feet.
Speaking on the occasion, Saudi Ambassador, Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Ibrahim Al-Ghadeer said “Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to its relations with brotherly Muslim country Pakistan. Pakistan has a rich and diverse culture, which has been creatively presented at the Heritage Museum”.
He hoped that formation of new government will overcome the big challenges faced by Pakistani nation and assured their support and cooperation for the newly elected government.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Integration Shahzada Jamal Nazir said, “Pakistan enjoys cordial and friendly relations with the Government of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
These relations are time tested and based on the universal principles of love, peace and harmony.
The Minister thanked the Ambassador for his personal efforts in materializing the proposal in reality.
He also commended the contribution of his own department Lok Virsa and its dedicated team in documenting and preserving the cultural heritage of Pakistan and other friendly countries that have established their cultural displays and link passages here at the heritage museum in a high state of present-ability.
Earlier in his welcoming remarks, Lok Virsa’s executive director Khalid Javaid said, “Most of the museums in Pakistan are of archaeological nature which are a throwback from colonial times.
The Heritage Museum is the first museum of ethnology in Pakistan which presents the history and living traditions of the people of Pakistan both from the mainstream and the remotest regions of the country.
The location of this landmark achievement at Islamabad Property enriches the federal capital and adds to its attractions, he stated”.

CDA launches ‘Clean and Green Islamabad’ campaign

Islamabad Property: Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Syed Tahir Shahbaz Tuesday urged the citizens to participate in "Clean and Green Islamabad" campaign which would prove that they have keen interest in resolving civic issues.
Syed Tahir Shahbaz said this at the launching ceremony of the sector-wise "Clean and Green Islamabad Property " campaign here in Sector G-7.
On this occasion Member Administration, Munir Ahmad Chaudhry, Member Engineering, Sanaullah Aman, Member Environment Ahsan Ali Mangi, other officials of CDA, School children, member of civil society, Sector Citizens Committee, Traders and a large number of citizens were also present.
Awareness Walk was held from CDA Camp Office to Police station G-7 Markaz.
The Chairman CDA directed the officers and officials of Environment, Sanitation, Municipal Administration and Engineering Wings of the Authority to resolve the grievances of residents and traders of Sector G-7 on priority basis.
The camp office would be operative for three days, adding that he would personally visit the camp office at different times.
He directed Member Engineering to pay special attention regarding patch work on road so that the commuters could not suffered.
Earlier, Chairman CDA, Syed Tahir Shahbaz visited different areas of Sector to examine roads, parks, water supply system, sewerage system and grounds.
He directed the concerned formations of the authority to carry out repair, maintenance and renovation work in those areas.