DHA: A residential estate contributing to the society

Pakistan Defense Officers Housing Authority (DHA), started under the name and style of Pakistan Defense Officers Cooperative Housing Society (DOCHS) on 23 March 1953. Later it was converted into an Authority and renamed as Pakistan Defense Officers Housing Authority in August 1980.
The Society made a humble beginning with an allotment of a mere 76.2 acres of land in 1956. It has come a long way since; what was DOCHS in 1956 is now DHA Phase-I only. DHA is playing a pivotal role in not only providing exquisite living environments and facilities to its residents but is also contributing towards the growth and development of society. Some of the notable contributions are recounted below.
DHA Educational Institutions DHA has a wholesome education system with a network consisting of six Colleges, five High Schools and eight Montessori/Junior Schools. A new Defense Authority College For Women has recently been constructed in Phase-VII Extn where Intermediate classes in disciplines of Science and Commerce have already commenced.
DHA educational institutions provide quality education in a disciplined and intellectually vibrant academic environments under the guidance of experienced faculty. The focus remains on inculcating such traits amongst students which produce confident, competent and productive individuals who can take up the challenges of the future.
Defense Central Library (DCL), DCL is one of the prime institutions of DHA that provide stimulating environment for promotion of knowledge, research and readership in the society. The library has over 57,000 collection of books, subscribes to 27 national and international newspapers, magazines and provides state-of-the-art modern Audio/Visual facilities in a congenial environment to its members.
Library information service is computerized, maintains complete data of books inventory, membership record, accounts, besides members' check In/Out record at reception and facility of borrowing of books. Connectivity with Digital Library of Higher Education Commission is yet another feature of significance. DCL is also a fastly emerging linguistic cum socio-cultural centre of the metropolis.
DHA Clubs DHA is mindful of the need of quality entertainment for its residents. In this perspective, various clubs are run and operated by DHA, which provide exquisite recreational, entertainment, sports and dining facilities.
DHA Mosques DHA is managing/administrating 25 mosques for the benefit of the residents which run under its direct supervision. Their activities are managed under a policy aimed at promoting religious harmony, peace and love among Muslim brethren.
Health Facilities A Specialist Block by the name of "DHA Clinics" has been setup to enable residents to seek specialist advice at their doorsteps, away from the city.
DHA's Mega Projects DHA has launched some mega projects in recent years. These development projects are presently in various phases of planning, execution and completion and will go a long way in maintaining the versatility and efficacy of the Housing Authority. The important mega projects include Creek Vistas, Water Front Developments, DHA Co-generation Power & Desalination Project, Refurbishment/Renovation of old phases of DHA, Modernization and Expansion of Defense Authority Country & Golf Club and state-of-the-art Infrastructure Development of Phase VIII. DHA is thus transforming life style in Karachi by introducing high living standards, healthy surroundings and an aesthetically vibrant environment.
Modern Sewerage System in DHA In the wake of the havoc caused by rains last year, DHA has embarked upon a project of laying a modern drainage system and upgradation of sewerage system. A sum of Rs 750 million has been allocated by the DHA Executive Board for the drainage project for the fiscal year 2007-2008 while the entire project would be completed in 2-3 years in a phased programme. The consultant would employ precast modular design for building the new drains for Phase-I of the project, to be completed by 31 July 2008.
Safe Transaction of Property in DHA Were someone to ask what is DHA's biggest achievement over the years, one would simply sum it up in one single word-Trust. DHA has won the trust of its investors and would-be investors alike. DHA Transfer and Record Directorate provides securest transfer of property service. The information about property in DHA is computerized, safe and information about property is protected to the highest level to obviate chances of fraud or double allotment.
DHA today is a first choice residential area for the affluent, and a safe haven for investors. But that does not mean the Authority can rest on its laurels. The struggle to achieve better results than ever before is perpetual.