In a significant move towards sustainable urban development, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has instructed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman to initiate vertical housing projects in Islamabad, aiming to discourage the construction of large bungalows that occupy extensive horizontal land.
These directives were issued during a progress review meeting with members of the Public-Private Partnership Authority and relevant ministries on Tuesday. The instructions align with the Prime Minister’s directives to identify all state properties and utilize them under a public-private partnership model for better efficiency.
Minister Iqbal emphasized that Pakistan cannot continue to expand horizontally to meet residential and commercial needs. “We must prioritize vertical housing to protect our green spaces, ensure food security, and provide affordable housing for all, especially the deprived segments of our society,” he said.
He highlighted that vertical housing and commercial activities will not only make housing more affordable but also safeguard the environment and food security. He directed the CDA chairman to study leading metropolises such as Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, and Shanghai to incorporate their best practices into Islamabad’s development plan.
Moreover, Minister Iqbal instructed the CDA chairman to table a policy framework on vertical housing as soon as possible, which can later be modeled across the country. This initiative would mark a significant shift towards sustainable urban development in Pakistan, prioritizing the needs of the people and the environment.
Additionally, the minister directed the CDA chairman to build a modern state-of-the-art National Library, emphasizing the importance of holding an international architectural competition to deliver an innovative concept. “The library must serve as an ideal public space where youth can not only learn and grow but also engage in healthy debates, gradually reducing societal polarization,” the minister said.
