Urban development projects key priorities: PM

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Says limits of cities be defined to protect green areas; Pakistan looks forward to establish sustainable economic ties with Oman
ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that urban development through modern real estate projects like Ravi Urban Development Authority, the Central Business District, Walton and the Nullah Lai Expressway are key priorities for the government to expedite.
Chairing a review meeting on these projects on Thursday, the prime minister said that this is the first time in the history of the country that the dead capital in the form of unused government land is being turned into a valuable asset through these innovative projects. He said these projects will not only create job opportunities but also fulfill the needs of a growing urban population.
Earlier, the prime minister was informed that the CBD has planned to generate revenue through auction of seven mixed use commercial plots in Lahore downtown. Besides, construction of Burj Jinnah, which will be Pakistan’s tallest skyscraper, construction of two premium residential towers at Bab-e-Pakistan and 500-bed hospital in Pakistan CBD Square and Walton Road Flyover as well as building a classic aviation museum to preserve Walton Airport’s heritage is also among the CBD’s goals.
The prime minister was also apprised that an effective awareness campaign has been launched through the media to maximise revenue through local and foreign investment in these historic projects.
The prime minister directed the concerned authorities to remove all legal hurdles at the earliest to attract more investors.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary, Special Assistant to PM on Political Communication Dr Shehbaz Gill, Chairman Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority (NAPHDA) Lt Gen (retd) Anwar Ali Haider and senior officers concerned.
Punjab Housing Minister Malik Asad Khokhar, Punjab Local Government Minister Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed, Advisor to CM Punjab Dr Salman Shah, Spokesperson to CM Punjab Hassan Khawar, Chief Executive Office (CEO) RUDA Imran Amin and other senior officers from Punjab joined the meeting via video link.

Separately, chairing a meeting of the National Coordination Committee for Housing, Construction and Development on Thursday, Prime Minister Khan said the limits of all cities should be well defined to prevent their unplanned spread and to protect green areas.

He said the government is also going to provide 12,400 low-cost and quality flats to the residents of Kachi Abadis of Islamabad. He stressed the need for constructing commercial buildings on private-public partnership basis in expensive sectors of Islamabad.

The meeting was informed that Capital Development Authority and Naya Pakistan Housing Authority will provide a subsidy for these flats. All civic facilities will be ensured in these flats, besides, keeping the monthly installments at minimum level.

The prime minister said so far Rs38 billion have been provided to the people to build their own houses. He said a cricket stadium of international standard will be constructed in Islamabad.

He said that Azad Kashmir has great potential for the promotion of tourism, which needs to be exploited. He called for making stringent laws to stop illegal construction in Azad Kashmir. The prime minister said quality and low-cost housing units will be constructed for refugees of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The prime minister ordered all possible steps be taken to protect forests and natural diversity.

The meeting was told that the AJK government will provide land worth Rs5.6 billion for the construction of residences for refugees and 1,300 families will be provided houses in the first phase.

Separately, talking to a delegation of Omani businessmen led by Chairman Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Redha Juma Mohamed Ali Al Saleh and Pakistani businessmen from Oman on Thursday, Prime Minister Khan said that Pakistan looks forward to establishing sustainable economic relations with Oman with increased trade and investment.

He said Pakistan and Oman have decades old ties based on common culture, brotherhood and people to people contacts. He directed the concerned government entities to take the requisite steps for an increased cooperation in the areas of trade and investment between Oman and Pakistan.

Both sides agreed on increased cooperation in the areas of common interest and steps to increase mutual trade. TLTP