Home Latest News Industry Economy & Policy Markets Gold & Money Banking & Fintech Startups Agri-Business

Islamabad to Switch from Big Houses to Vertical Housing

In a significant move towards sustainable urban development, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has directed Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman to initiate vertical housing projects in Islamabad to discourage construction of big bungalows that occupy multiple acres of horizontal land.

He gave these instructions while chairing a progress review meeting with members of Public Private Partnership Authority and relevant ministries on Tuesday.

Following Prime Minister’s directives to identify all state properties and pool them under public private partnership model for better utilization, he instructed CDA chairman to table and implement a policy framework for high-rise housing in the city’s sectors.

“Pakistan cannot afford to continue expanding horizontally to meet residential and commercial needs,” said the minister. “We must prioritize vertical housing to protect our green spaces, ensure food security, and provide affordable housing for all, especially the deprived segments of our society.”

The minister emphasized that vertical housing and commercial activities will not only make housing more affordable but also safeguard the environment and food security. He directed the CDA chairman to study leading metropolises like Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, and Shanghai to learn from their best practices and incorporate them into the Islamabad plan.

He directed the CDA chairman to table a policy framework on vertical housing as soon as possible, which can later be modeled across the country.

This initiative would mark a significant shift towards sustainable urban development in Pakistan, prioritizing the needs of the people and the environment, maintained Ahsan Iqbal.

The minsiter also directed CDA chairman to build a modern state-of-the-art National Library. He emphasized on holding an international competition of architects to deliver an innovative concept of a modern library to be set up in Islamabad. “The library must serve as an ideal public space where youth can not only learn and grow but also engage in healthy debates, which will gradually help to reduce polarization in the society,” the minister said.

Stay Connected with ProPakistani

Get the latest business news, market insights, and economic updates wherever you prefer.

Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.


  • The biggest ever such vertical project still lying in the pipe line since it’s initiation n inception.it was to be completed in 2020 but this public private entity left a big void through to its completion lack of funds n work is stand still since ages .

  • Okay so after using all of the land across all sides the cda chairman / and crime minister is planning another robbery on exchaquer.

  • Yeah no clear vision, no tax exemption, just bug words move from horizontal to vertical housing

  • This is clearly a sponsored article

    U can’t install solar . U cannot have better infrastructure

    Also water usage suffers . Who is making this stuff up ?

  • Vertical development in earth quake prone Islamabad city is not recommended. The fault line is passing under Margala hills. Govt should reconsider its decision and start development in G14/1 sector awaiting development since over last two decades.

    • “Vertical development in earth quake prone Islamabad city is not recommended. ” – Absolutely correct!

  • More plazas and buildings means cutting more trees. Already temperature in Islamabad has increased to 49C this summer and all is because of trees cutting for these buildings. This needs to be stopped immediately, otherwise we will be bearing with severe weather changes that will become unbearable.

  • An unwise move. It is extremely difficult to maintain apartments where people do not have the proper civic sense. There will be more disputes among the dwellers, each will blame the other for minor things. The lifts will be stuck midway when there is no electricity. There are a dozen reasons, some already mentioned in the comments, why this idea should not be pursued.


  • Get Alerts

    ProPakistani Community

    Join the groups below to get latest news and updates.



    >