ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Wednesday told National Assembly that a committee had been constituted for regularisation of housing schemes in various zones of Islamabad.

In a written reply to a question asked by MNA Iqbal Mohammad Ali Khan, the interior minister said that in pursuance of Federal Cabinet’s decision in Aug 17, a committee has been established “to advise and develop an effective policy for regularisation of irregular housing schemes in various zones of Islamabad, i.e., Zone-II, IV & V,” the minister said.

He said the committee comprised Murad Jamil Architect , Sikandar Ajam (Architect/Planner), Vice Chairman Planning PCATP Member and Director General Planning CDA and others.

He said the committee had been notified by the Interior Ministry and it may recommend the regularisation of unauthorised housing schemes subject to payment of fine as may be imposed.

The fine shall be imposed on violations that may include following (but is not limited to): non conforming uses, missing parks or open spaces, missing graveyard, public buildings, access road width is less than the required planning standards and inner road width is less than the required.

Currently, there are over 100 illegal housing schemes in Islamabad, where thousands of people are suffering due to illegal status of housing schemes, as they are also unable to get utility connections.

Meanwhile, in response to another question, asked by MNA Syed Abrar Ali Shah, the interior minister said that routes [new bus service] in Islamabad will be made functional by April/May 2022.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2021