ISLAMABAD: The executive board of Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) headed by housing minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada on Monday approved a revision in the land-acquiring formula for one of the revenue estates in Park Road Housing Scheme.

As per the previous agreement, the landowners were supposed to get Rs8.3 million cash compensation per kanal. However, the FGEHA board was informed that due to financial challenges the authority was facing issues in acquiring the land. The board approved the I:3 formula under which the landowners would now get one kanal developed plot against their three kanals of land.

The Park Road Scheme is a joint venture of FGEHA and the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and is being developed near Comsats University on Park Road in the revenue estates of Tamma and Mariyan. There are a total of 4,781 plots, out of which 2,088 are for the FGEHA and 2,693 for the SCBA members.

The scheme was launched years ago, but its development could not be completed due to land possession issues and alleged corruption in the development work by the previous contractor, which was pointed out last year.

The board was informed: “Land in MauzaTamma is relatively expensive; and FGEHA is currently facing budgetary constraints and challenges in releasing payments to landowners.

The Board had previously directed that land sharing arrangements be prioritized for MauzaTamma. Accordingly, a proposal to engage M/s Extol Estate and Builders (Pvt.) Ltd. as FGEHA’s land provider for a land sharing arrangement, based on proposed terms and conditions, was presented for consideration in 39th meeting of the Board on 11th March, 2025.”

The board was told that in the light of the previous board meeting, the issue was referred to the Ministry of Law and Justice on March 25, which gave its opinion in favour of the proposed land sharing policy of 1:3 and engagement of the land provider.

After discussing the issue, the executive board approved the new formula for land acquisition in Mauza Tamma.

Meanwhile, the meeting also discussed the disposal of FGEHA’s commercial properties under the revised joint venture (JV) and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Rules 2025 and reviewed progress on key housing projects, including Park Road and F-14/F-15.

Moreover, the reimbursement of delayed completion charges submitted by the allottees of sub-sector G-14 and endorsement of the HR committee’s recommendations also came under discussion.

According to a press release, the meeting decided that 11 high-value commercial plots located in Mauve Area, G-13/4, G-14/2, the Skyline Project in Islamabad, Sky Gardens in Rawalpindi and Cantt Station Karachi will be offered through a mixed model comprising PPP, lease-operate and open auction modes in accordance with the revised JV Rules 2025.

“The proposed commercial developments and land use include five-star hotels, international hospitals, IT tower, shopping mall, international school, apartment complexes and mixed-use properties. The integrated model is expected to stimulate economic activity and maximize long-term public asset value.”

It said during the review of the Park Road project, the board approved revisions in the land-sharing formula and layout plan, ensuring alignment with public welfare goals and legal frameworks. The board also approved the revision of possession charges for FGEHA specified areas and the reimbursement of delayed completion charges of sub-sector G-14.

Furthermore, the board decided to share the draft Condominium Act and Rules with the ICT administration through the Ministry of Interior before presenting it to the federal cabinet. The board also endorsed the abolishment of redundant posts in FGEHA while deferring the creation and upgradation of a few posts till the submission of detailed justifications.

The housing minister directed the additional secretary, Ministry of Housing and Works, to investigate and submit a detailed report regarding staffing in subordinate bodies of the ministry.

He emphasised strict compliance with the prime minister’s directives on organisational rationalisation. The minister also directed that all loopholes hampering implementation be identified to ensure accountability and efficiency within the ministry and its attached organisations.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2025