ISLAMABAD: The Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has cancelled the leases of nearly all the food outlets at the Arts and Craft Village in Shakarparian.

An official of the MCI said that out of a total of 18 food outlets, the leases of 16 has been cancelled due to non-payment.

The allottees of the remaining two outlets are in litigation with the MCI and their lease agreements are bound to be terminated soon.

“Since the allottees weren’t opening their food outlets or paying rent, we had no other option but to cancel their lease,” said Mazhar Hussain, the spokesperson of MCI and the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

In July, Mayor Sheikh Anser Aziz had inaugurated the craft bazaar and the Arts and Craft Village. He announced that the bazaar would feature wood carvings, truck art and handicrafts from Chitral and Hunza. However, the project remained unsuccessful as the artisans did not show any interest in the venue.

The village that was built 11 years ago to showcase the work of artisans and folk performers now stands as an unfulfilled idea in the picturesque environs of Shakarparian.

It is spread over 23 acres and contains shops, an exhibition hall, a design centre, artist studios, student hostels, an amphitheatre, a children’s play area and park, regional food centres, tea shops and artisan hostels.

It was built during the tenure of former CDA chairman Kamran Lashari, when the civic agency initiated a number of projects such as the culture complex in Shakarparian, the Ladies Club in G-10 and the Citizen Club in F-9 park.

After local government elections, the Arts and Craft Village was devolved to the MCI but so far, even the MCI has been unable to revive the facility; only an art gallery and a commercial restaurant are functioning.

In the absence of any cultural activity, the hostels that were built for artisans are currently being used by the Rangers.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2017