The Federal Commission constituted for the revision of master plan of Islamabad held a consultative dialogue here at Pak-China Friendship Center on Thursday.
The members of Federal Commission and representatives of different departments concerned including Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Islamabad Police, National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA), Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (EPA), serving and retired officers of Planning Wing, panel of experts, renowned architects and town planners, took part in the dialogue.
The dialogue was organised to provide an opportunity to take views of all stakeholders to formulate guidelines with regard to revision of Islamabad's master plan. The dialogue began with the presentation on the revision of the master plan. The participants were briefed about the scope of work of the Federal Commission. The participants were invited to discuss the scope of work of the Commission so that it can be further improved. A questionnaire prepared for online suggestions was also floated in the session. This questioner will be placed online for seeking inputs from the general public as well.
While briefing the participants, Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) Amer Ali Ahmed, who was also convener of the Federal Commission, said that the purpose of the dialogue is to make revised master plan which is more sustainable and improved, leading to self-finance mechanism. He said that green character is central line theme of the city; therefore, while revising master plan, protection, preservation and further enhancement of green character would be ensured. He said that existing zoning regulations would be enhanced to address the issues appropriately. He said that Master Plan would be revised to cope with the future requirements including water requirements, sewerage requirements, sanitation requirements and most importantly to self generation.
He further said that dynamics of Islamabad has been changed as it is now a growing and expanding city so its needs cannot be covered under the existing Master Plan.
He said, "We are here with open minds to explore how to improve the existing Master Plan for this purpose we have to think beyond confines."