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.