Transforming Islamabad’s Skyline: SIFC’s Plan for Vertical Development of Government Properties

Introduction: Islamabad, a city known for its greenery, sprawling neighborhoods, and architectural uniformity, may soon witness a shift towards vertical development. The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), alongside the Capital Development Authority (CDA), is exploring a proposal to replace old, single-storey government houses with high-rise structures. This initiative aims to address the inefficiencies of underutilized government land, contribute to national revenue, and provide a more efficient urban landscape for Pakistan’s capital.

Background and Purpose of the Initiative

For decades, government officers and bureaucrats in Islamabad have resided in spacious, single-storey homes located in some of the city’s most prime sectors, such as F-6, G-6, and G-7. These government-owned houses are a legacy of the country’s administrative history but occupy significant portions of land in a rapidly urbanizing city. These areas are valuable, both for their location in the capital and the potential they hold if repurposed for more efficient use.

A recent study conducted by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) on the concept of “dead capital” highlighted the immense economic potential in redeveloping government housing. In just the sub-sector of G-6/1, single-storey government housing occupies around 86 acres, land that could be repurposed to meet urban demands. According to the study, vertical construction could allow these government offices and residences to be accommodated on approximately nine acres, freeing up 77 acres, valued at over Rs52 billion. This freed space would not only enhance the city’s fiscal reserves but also support urban growth and modernization.

The “Dead Capital” Concept

The notion of “dead capital,” as introduced by economist Hernando De Soto, refers to assets like land that lie dormant and generate minimal to no economic value. In the context of Pakistan, much of the government-owned land in urban areas is underutilized or not strategically optimized. This inefficient land use becomes a financial liability rather than an asset. For Islamabad, the adoption of vertical development on government properties is expected to turn dormant land into economically productive real estate, driving growth and creating revenue opportunities for the state.

Understanding the Proposal: Moving from Single-Storey to High-Rise

The SIFC’s proposal is inspired by global urbanization trends, where dense cities prioritize vertical growth to conserve space, increase land value, and accommodate more residents and facilities in limited spaces. Replacing single-storey houses with high-rises could provide a transformative change for Islamabad, potentially reshaping sectors like G-6 and F-6 with modern, multi-storey buildings that cater to a growing population without expanding the city’s footprint.

The SIFC envisions a design where government residences and offices could be consolidated into high-rise towers with modern facilities. This consolidation not only enhances urban density but also releases prime land for commercial, cultural, or recreational development, boosting the city’s revenue potential.

Strategic Benefits of the Vertical Development Plan

The benefits of this plan extend beyond land conservation. High-rise construction of government housing could enhance the efficiency of public infrastructure and service delivery, creating a more interconnected, organized, and accessible cityscape. Here are some of the key advantages foreseen by SIFC and CDA:

1. Revenue Generation: By freeing and selling or leasing the land, the government could raise billions of rupees in revenue that can be reinvested in public services, infrastructure, or other development projects.
2. Efficient Urban Growth: With a vertical approach, Islamabad’s skyline would evolve to accommodate growing needs without further expanding into green spaces or protected land. This urban efficiency would make more room for essential services, businesses, and recreational areas within the existing city layout.
3. Enhanced Living Standards: Vertical housing often brings improvements in living conditions by providing modern facilities, secure environments, and organized utilities within a limited space, benefiting government employees and their families.
4. Increased Housing Availability: As Islamabad’s population grows, creating multi-storey residential buildings can address housing demand, making it possible for more people to live within the city’s core areas.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its clear potential, the proposal to replace government houses with high-rises is not without challenges. Converting historic neighborhoods with large, single-storey homes into high-rise areas requires careful planning and resource allocation. Here are some potential concerns and challenges:

1. Cultural and Heritage Considerations: Many of Islamabad’s government-owned neighborhoods are iconic for their layout and architecture. Preserving the aesthetic and historical value of these areas may be challenging if they are drastically redeveloped.
2. Environmental Impact: Vertical construction often involves high energy consumption and emissions during the building phase. Any redevelopment plan would need to be coupled with sustainable practices to minimize environmental harm.
3. Public Reception and Approval: Moving forward with the plan requires buy-in from current residents, local communities, and government officials. It may be met with resistance due to the potential loss of familiar neighborhood layouts and living arrangements.
4. Financial and Logistical Costs: Building high-rise structures requires significant investment. The government would need a solid financial strategy to ensure that construction costs are justified by the expected revenue and long-term benefits.

Steps Forward: Seeking CDA’s Comments and Future Planning

The SIFC has reached out to the CDA, as the custodian of Islamabad’s land, to gather feedback and initiate discussions around the practicalities of vertical development. As part of their preliminary studies, they shared the insights from PIDE’s research with CDA officials. This collaborative approach aims to assess the feasibility of the high-rise plan, taking into account regulatory, environmental, and public policy considerations.

Once CDA’s input is received, the SIFC plans to evaluate the next steps and possibly draft a detailed strategy for the vertical development of government properties. This would involve defining parameters such as zoning regulations, design standards, and environmental sustainability guidelines to ensure the project aligns with Islamabad’s urban development vision.

Broader Implications of Vertical Development in Islamabad

The SIFC’s vertical development plan aligns with Pakistan’s broader ambitions of economic revitalization and urban modernization. By transitioning from horizontal to vertical expansion, Islamabad would join other global cities that have embraced high-density living as a means of supporting population growth while preserving natural landscapes.

The successful implementation of this plan could set a precedent for other Pakistani cities, encouraging them to optimize state-owned land to benefit urban populations, enhance economic productivity, and generate sustainable revenue. The long-term effect of this policy could also include the creation of job opportunities in construction, urban planning, and management, further bolstering the local economy.

Conclusion

The SIFC’s proposal to replace old government houses with high-rise structures represents a forward-thinking approach to urban planning in Islamabad. By addressing the concept of “dead capital” and optimizing the use of government land, Pakistan stands to gain significant economic and social benefits. This shift to vertical construction is not only about improving land use but also about embracing a vision of modernization that fosters sustainable growth, environmental responsibility, and urban efficiency.

With input from the CDA and other stakeholders, the journey toward a new, vertically-aligned Islamabad could redefine the city’s landscape and pave the way for a more dynamic and economically vibrant capital. The outcome of this initiative will be closely watched, as it may serve as a model for similar reforms across the country, shaping Pakistan’s urban future.

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