The Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) planning wing has approved the development of commercial buildings on the un-acquired right of way (ROW) of the Srinagar Highway.
However, according to the city’s 1960 master plan, Kashmir Highway, now known as Srinagar Highway, is supposed to have a 1,200-foot right of way. Using the same analogy, the civic agency had acquired land in key areas, but now, contrary to the spirit of the city’s master plan, it has been decided that the remaining un-acquired area in Zone II’s right of way could be used for commercial projects by private developers.
This implies that the civic agency has decided not to acquire the necessary right of way because it has permitted building in the ROW in G-16 and G-17.
The CDA’s board decision from last year was notified in the Pakistan Gazette on January 31.
According to the notification available with the media: “CDA has been pleased to notify detailed parameters for approval/regulations of commercial schemes/projects in Zone II, IV and V, under regulations 26-A in Revised Modalities and Procedures 2020 framed under ICT Zoning Regulations 1992 (as amended) for development of private housing/farm housing schemes in Zone II, IV and V of Islamabad Capital Territory Zoning Plan, including the leftover major astride the road, i.e Srinagar Highway and its un-acquired Right of Way, Murree Road, and Park Road for standalone commercial projects under regulations 8.13 of S.R.O 1575(1)2019) as per CDA board decision dated 21-05-2022 with immediate effect.”
It has also set a commercialization charge of Rs7,500 per square yard of the commercial plot area. The same notification stated that 55% of commercial use would be permitted.
Previously, the CDA board decided to charge a land use conversion fee on the entire plot area.
Talking to the media, Member Planning Waseem Hayat Bajwa claimed to be unaware of the notification. But, numerous sources revealed that the decision had been notified in the Gazette of Pakistan.