ISLAMABAD: The master plan review commission on Tuesday decided to start work on the framing of building bylaws of sub-zone D of Zone IV of Islamabad.

The said sub zone comprises 23,618 acres of land and as per existing bylaws, it is reserved for agro farming, nature conservation projects, sports and recreation, playgrounds, entertainment zones and so on.

Apartments, office buildings and hotels are also allowed in this zone.

A press release issued by Capital Development Authority (CDA) stated: “It was decided at the meeting that the Master Plan Review Commission would work on building by-laws for Zone 4-D of Islamabad with the objective of promoting high rise vertical development in Islamabad and ensuring protection of green areas ... Allowing housing units and high rise developments in sub zone D will be a good decision as people, who have their own land, in this zone due to CDA’s rigid policies are unable to do planned construction”.

According to a CDA official, besides focusing on this sub-zone, the commission and CDA should also take steps to protect rights of people, who have their own land, in Zone III, but they are unable to plan construction.

He added that CDA is not acquiring private land in Zone III or allowing people to plan construction which is discrimination.

A meeting of the commission was chaired by its convener, CDA Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed.

It was also decided that the commission will give its proposals to reduce the current housing foot print in Zone IV from 55 feet to 20 to 25 per cent.

Similarly, the press release said, in light of the federal cabinet’s decision in August 2021, the commission will give suggestions for implementation and enforcement of building by laws for regulating illegal housing societies and constructions in suburbs of city.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2021