ISLAMABAD: The federal government has shown its concerns over the mushroom growth of constructions around Islamabad International Airport (IIA) saying the ‘ugly’ structures leave a negative impression on foreigners arriving in Islamabad.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affair Syed Tariq Fatemi recently took up the issue with the secretary to the prime minster and the joint secretary foreign and social sector affairs (JS-FSA).

He also wrote a letter dated October 24 to Secretary to Prime Minister Asad Rehman Gillani and the JS, informing them about the construction activities around the airport.

“As you would know, when the new Islamabad International Airport’s location and design was being considered it was generally believed that land measuring 40-50 acres would be set aside for building a number of five-star hotels and elegant corporate offices. This was in line with the then prime minister’s vision to transform Islamabad into a high-tech city with modern architecture and look,” read the letter.

SAPM writes to PM’s secretary to take up matter with CDA and explore viable options

It added: “Unfortunately, over time, the land around the airport has been taken over by small-time developers who have built modest ugly buildings for apartments and offices. This is variance with our Prime Minister’s vision, as it does not create positive impression on foreigners arriving in our capital city.”

The letter said: “I would, therefore, suggest that you may take up this matter with CDA and explore viable options so as to rectify the situation while ensuring that all ongoing and future development activities around the airport accurately depict the Prime Minister’s objective and vision for Islamabad City.”

The new airport was inaugurated in May 2018. The land of the airport falls in the limits of Rawalpindi and Fatehjang. It is located around 25 kilometres southwest of Islamabad city and is directly connected to Lahore and Peshawar Motorways. Through Srinagar Highway, it is connected with the capital city.

During the last many years, large scale construction activity has taken place around the airport, which is being dealt by authorities in Rawalpindi.

CDA officials Dawn spoke to said they would pass comments on the letter once they received it. However, they said the CDA had nothing to do with the construction activities around the airport as Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) and Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) Fatehjang were supposed to supervise the construction there.

“If the federal government wants, the CDA can play a role according to its ordinance. Generally, we can play an advisory role in this regard,” said an official of the CDA. He said the CDA ordinance empowered the civic agency to regulate works not only in Islamabad but also in other specified areas under certain conditions. However, regulating the construction activities in the airport area is the primary job of RDA and TMA Fatehjang.

It may be mentioned that realtors have made heavy investments and launched a number of housing and other schemes around the new airport during the last a few years.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2024