Old govt houses in Islamabad to be replaced with high-rises

The federal government is working on an initiative to replace old government houses in Islamabad with high-rise buildings in a bid to generate revenue billions of rupees for the national exchequer.

Sectors such as F-6, G-6, G-7 have single-storey government houses with houses in F-6 having servant quarters as well.

“If such single-storey houses allotted to federal secretaries and other bureaucrats are demolished, dozens of high-rise buildings could be constructed on these government lands,” Dawn quoted a government official as saying.

“So there is a need for vertical construction approach to save the land bank of Islamabad,” the official said on the condition of anonymity.

The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) intends to consult the Capital Development Authority (CDA) as it pertains to the replacement of old government houses with vertical constructions in the federal capital.

“By converting single-storey houses into high-rise structures, up to 77 acres could be freed, potentially generating 55.2 billion in revenue and raising annual GDP by 0.09pc,” the SIFC said in a letter quoting a study conducted by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) on dead capital.

“This strategy already applied by countries like the UK and India requires a strategic shift in Pakistan. Establishing a centerlised database for state-held land, accurately valuing these assets and involving asset management experts can help unlock this dormant potential, fostering economic activity and addressing urban needs through efficient, vertical development,” the letter read.

“In the light of above, the CDA is requested to provide their views/comments on the subject. These views/comments may please be forward to SIFC Division.”