ISLAMABAD: The commission formed by the federal government to review the master plan of Islamabad on Friday decided to present its preliminary report to the government before July 13.

“It is likely that within the stipulated timeline [July 13] the commission will present its report containing commentary on the terms of reference (TORs) set by the cabinet for revision of the master plan,” said a statement issued by the CDA after a meeting of the commission.

The commission was formed in December last year with a six-month time to revise the master plan.

However, the commission is yet to place an advertisement for hiring a consultant which will carry out studies.

The statement said the commission meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed reviewed the progress in accordance with the assigned TORs.

“The commission is now in its final stages and firming up its findings on certain key matters. These issues revolve around general policies and guidelines for CDA as well as a framework for future development in Islamabad,” read the statement.

The commission has held several sessions and proceeded with caution so as to incorporate the international best practices in its observations.

Interactive sessions with the public have yielded considerable input along with comments received through the social media.

Reportedly, more than 4,000 suggestions have been received so far.

The statement said the commission was also proposing a technical consultant who would carry out analysis of each structure, waterway, examine national trends and propose how the city will look in 2020 given the current planning regulations and proposed guidelines set by the commission.

The forecast is likely to be not restricted to just 2020 but also be indicative of the next 20 years after that as well.

The analysis and studies to be carried out by the consultant will provide a guideline for the CDA and city planners once approved and finalised.

The commission’s report will also comment on the irregular growth in Islamabad and occupation of state land as well as the current drive to clear encroachments.

Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2019