I AM a resident of Sector E11/3 Islamabad since 2007. This area fell in the jurisdiction of Golra revenue estate and was developed by private housing societies. These societies acquired land and drew up layout plans by following the rules and guidelines of the Capital Development Authority.

However, the area utilised for community services, playgrounds, parks, and schools and colleges, open area, green area, is far less compared to that of the CDA-planned sectors. On the other hand, the area utilised for commercial activities (class-III shopping centres) was increased enormously by converting open spaces into commercial areas.

The CDA does not allow Class-III shopping centers to construct more than ground plus two-floor blocks in any sector while in Sector E 11 all Class-III shopping centers have constructed ground plus four or even five storeys. This increase in covered area and the height of the building are a nuisance as the privacy of other residents is compromised. Furthermore, this is the only sector in Islamabad which does not have its own markaz. When residents complained, the CDA tried to make amends and compensate by developing the northern strip of E11 — a prospective green belt — as a markaz but the matter is in dispute.

Recently the CDA sent property tax bills for two years 2017-18 and 2018-19 to residents. The tax rate levied on E11 is the same as E7, Islamabad’s most expensive sector.

The mayor and CDA authorities are urged to look into this.

Shabbir Ahmed
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2018