Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced plans Friday for a Manhattan-style development, high-rise projects and a 450-acre safari park in Islamabad. Addressing the Saudi-Pak Real Estate Expo in Lahore, he offered investors land without upfront payment in exchange for project inventory.
High-rise plots offered through inventory auction
The government plans to offer one-, three- and six-acre plots for hotels, shopping malls and residential complexes. Buildings must stand at least 600 feet tall.
“The interesting thing is that it will be free of cost. We will not be asking for any money. We will go for inventory, and we will start the auction at 15% of the inventory. Then it will depend on the investor how much they offer us,” he said.
“We have only two demands: to complete the project within two years from the day of approval,” he said. The minimum building height forms the second condition.
Naqvi promised Interior Ministry approvals through a one-window operation.
“We can do it within three to four weeks, so the investor does not need to go to any other office,” he stated.
It was reported that Naqvi invited Saudi investors to participate in a December auction.
He prioritised Pakistani and foreign investors’ security and proposed a five-member auction committee. Representatives of NAB, SIFC, FIA and CDA would serve under a judge. Whether that judge would be serving or retired remains undecided.
“All the stakeholders and those who could create hurdles for investors in the future will be part of the committee,” he added.
Manhattan-style development behind PM House
The proposed city would occupy 1,000 acres behind the Prime Minister’s House.
“We are launching a Manhattan-style city in Islamabad, which will have a completely different set of laws, rules and standard operating procedures (SOPs),” he said.
“It will be just like Manhattan, with a Central Park in the middle and a lake, surrounded by residential and commercial complexes,” he added.
Safari park targets recreation demand
Naqvi also proposed what he described as “Asia’s largest safari park, spanning 450 acres in Islamabad,” without presenting comparative figures.
He cited a neglected Punjab safari park that authorities rebuilt within six months, adding animals. Its annual auction value rose from Rs20 million to Rs680 million within a year, despite having half the planned animals.
“This is the potential we have for entertainment in Pakistan. Our people are eager for entertainment, but we lack facilities, whether in the form of safari parks or other attractions,” he said.
He highlighted residential and entertainment opportunities, cited steps addressing high property prices and anticipated Saudi investment.
“I can assure you of one thing: it will be a one-window operation. You will not need to visit any other government office. Everything will be handled by the Ministry of Interior,” he said.
“We look forward to welcoming all of you to Islamabad, and I can assure you that these projects will change Pakistan,” he added.
