Framework for Economic Growth, Pakistan - Planning Commission

International conference on “Framework for Economic Growth, Pakistan”DiscussionDiscussant: Tahir ShamshadMember Planning, Capital Development Authority, IslamabadIslamabad is considered to be one of the bestdeveloped cities in Pakistan but, because ofslums coming up and informal developmenttaken place around in recent past; it is notthat Islamabad which was dreamed at thetime of planning. Instead of going into thetheories about cities I would like to gostraight to what we have planned forimproving Islamabad in future.Islamabad was planned in 1960 and at thattime there was very little concept of publicparticipation particularly in the decisionmaking and infrastructure development.CDA Ordinance 1960 didn’t includesufficient provisions for public participationand investment in infrastructure. We haveidentified basic requirements now that whatwe need in today’s scenario to ensure thatthe city is at par with other imaginative andcreative cities. Recently we have preparedan amendment of the ordinance to bring thecity at fast track again.In master plan of the Islamabad there weremany green and distinct areas planned forthe city to cater for the food needs and otherbasic requirements of the city. With shortageof space and rapid growth in population wehave come up with a new plan forIslamabad. In new plan Islamabad has beendivided into five zones, with each zonehaving provisions for basic facilities. Veryrecently we have once again studied theissue of slum and informal development inthe city. In Zone No. 4 we have opened75,000 acres of land for public to come up,invest and make all kind of recreationalfacilities in that area.I told earlier that public participation had notbeen there as part of policy in the citydevelopment we are inviting architects,planners along with public to participate inthe city development. Islamabad hasdiversified cultural assets. People fromvarious countries and various places ofPakistan come and live here. Culturalplanning is one of the important challengesfor us to plan and we are taking care of thesediversified resources while planning. Veryrecently we have seen opening of Pak-Chinafriendship centre in Islamabad. Art & craftvillage has also been added to the city. Verysoon a cultural complex is being developedin Shakkarparian. A proper thought outcultural planning is being made to ensurethat diversified cultural asset is taken carewhile planning the city.I would take benefit of this audience andrequest this august forum to give somesuggestions.***Discussant: Parvez QureshiUrban Planner and Architect, LahoreI am thankful to Deputy Chairman PlanningCommission for inviting me in theconference. It is heartening to hear Mr.Tahir Shamshad (Member Planning, CDA,Islamabad) speaking about urban issues.People have been talking about issuespertaining to development, expansion; issuesrelated to traffic, pollution, environment,51