In a bold move to reshape Islamabad’s urban landscape, Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to initiate vertical housing projects. This decision, announced during a progress review meeting on Tuesday, marks a significant shift away from the city’s traditional focus on large, land-consuming bungalows.
Iqbal emphasized the need for change, stating, “Pakistan cannot afford to continue expanding 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 underserved segments of our society.”
The minister instructed the CDA chairman to develop and implement a policy framework for high-rise housing in Islamabad’s sectors. This directive aligns with Prime Minister’s recent call to identify and utilize state properties under the public-private partnership model.
Iqbal highlighted the multiple benefits of vertical development, including increased affordability, environmental protection, and food security. He urged the CDA to study successful urban models from cities like Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, and Shanghai to inform Islamabad’s vertical housing strategy.
The CDA chairman has been tasked with presenting a comprehensive policy framework on vertical housing promptly. This framework could potentially serve as a model for other cities across Pakistan, signaling a broader shift in the country’s approach to urban development.
In a related development, Iqbal also called for the construction of a modern National Library in Islamabad. He proposed an international architectural competition to design this facility, envisioning it as a space for learning, debate, and social engagement.
“The library must serve as an ideal public space where youth can not only learn and grow but also engage in healthy debates, which will gradually help reduce polarization in society,” Iqbal explained.
As Islamabad prepares for this significant urban transformation, the move towards vertical development represents a critical step in addressing the city’s housing needs while preserving its green spaces and promoting sustainable growth.
