Multiworks Islamabad: As Islamabad expands horizontally due to a growing population, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has been urged to propose a policy framework for vertical housing to limit the construction of large, multiple-acre houses.
During a progress review meeting with the Public Private Partnership Authority (PPPA) and relevant ministries, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal directed CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa to launch vertical housing projects in Islamabad. The CDA currently restricts the floor area ratio (FAR) to 1:12, resulting in limited high-rise buildings. This has caused the city to expand horizontally, consuming agricultural land at the outskirts.
The tallest buildings in Islamabad, Centaurus and One Constitution, stand at 440 and 430 feet respectively, with most apartment complexes having no more than a dozen floors. Minister Iqbal highlighted that this horizontal expansion threatens food security.
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A CDA official noted that Islamabad lacks buildings taller than 450 feet, whereas cities globally have 700 to 800 feet tall residential-cum-commercial buildings. The official welcomed the focus on Islamabad Vertical Housing but emphasized the need to build CDA’s capacity to handle emergencies in high-rise buildings, as their current disaster management capabilities are insufficient for buildings taller than 225 feet.
A press release from the planning ministry stated that, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive to identify and pool state properties under a public-private partnership model, the CDA chief was instructed to draft and implement a high-rise housing policy. Minister Iqbal emphasized that Pakistan must prioritize Islamabad Vertical Housing to protect green spaces, ensure food security, and provide affordable housing, especially for disadvantaged communities.
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Vertical housing will not only make housing more affordable but also protect the environment and food security. Iqbal directed the CDA to study leading cities like Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, and Shanghai for best practices to incorporate into Islamabad’s plan. He also tasked the CDA chairman with developing a modern National Library through an international architectural competition, aiming to create a public space for youth engagement and societal growth.
This initiative marks a significant shift towards sustainable urban development in Pakistan, focusing on the needs of the people and the environment.
