ISLAMABAD: The planning wing of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has allowed construction of commercial buildings on the un-acquired right of way (ROW) of Srinagar Highway.

However, according to the city’s 1960 master plan, Kashmir Highway, now called Srinagar Highway, is supposed to have a right of way stretching 1,200 feet. On the same analogy, the civic agency had acquired land in major areas, however, now contrary to the spirit of the city’s master plan, it been decided that the remaining un-acquired area in the right of way of Zone II could be used by private developers for commercial projects.

This means that the civic agency has decided that it will not acquire the required right of way because it has allowed construction of buildings in the ROW in G-16, G-16 and G-17.

The CDA, on Jan 31, got its board decision of last year notified in the Gazette of Pakistan.

The notification available with Dawn states: “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 left over major astride 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 fixed Rs7,500 as per square yard commercialisation charge on area of commercial plots. In the same notification, it was stated that 55pc commercial use would be allowed.

Earlier, the CDA board had decided that land use conversion fee was to be charged on the entire plot area.

When contacted, Member Planning Waseem Hayat Bajwa showed ignorance about the said notification. However, multiple sources confirmed that the decision had been notified in the Gazette of Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2023