Interior minister directs zero-tax hotel policy to attract investors in Islamabad

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday directed officials to formulate a new zero-tax hotel policy to attract investors and accelerate the development of five-star hotels in the federal capital.

Chairing a meeting at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) headquarters, the minister said Islamabad should be transformed into a model city where international-standard facilities and modern recreational opportunities are available to the public.

During the meeting, it was decided that five-star hotels would be constructed under joint ventures with internationally reputed firms. Progress on a five-star hotel project being developed in collaboration with the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) was also reviewed.

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Naqvi said the new policy would help encourage both local and foreign investment in the hospitality sector and strengthen Islamabad’s position as an international destination for business and tourism.

The meeting also approved the development of a 1,000-acre world-class park at the foothills of the Margalla Hills to provide modern recreational facilities for residents and visitors.

Officials reviewed ongoing and future development projects in the federal capital, with the minister stressing the need for planned urban growth and improved public services.

It was further decided that a comprehensive survey of all land and properties in Islamabad would be conducted through the Survey of Pakistan to improve transparency and management of state assets.

Naqvi also directed that a dedicated marketing team be appointed for all future auctions to ensure maximum participation from investors and better returns for public projects.

The meeting decided that the control room for Capital Emergency Services would be established within Safe City to improve emergency response and coordination.

Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Sohail Ashraf briefed the meeting on development projects and informed participants that all CDA data and transfer systems were being digitised.

A digital dashboard would also be introduced under a one-window operation in CDA, while unnecessary posts within the authority would be abolished to improve efficiency.

Senior CDA members, the Additional Deputy Commissioner Islamabad and other officials also attended the meeting.