Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The Minister of State for Capital Administration & Development Division (CADD) Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has said that the government would extend all kinds of assistance to the Association of Builders & Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) in constructing housing units for middle and lower-middle class families at affordable rates.

Addressing an event organised by the ABAD, he said, “I assure on behalf of the government that we will provide all kind of assistance and facilities to the association for providing houses to middle and lower-middle classes on cheaper rates in the federal capital.”

The ABAD has more than 800 leading construction companies in its fold and its offices mostly are equipped with state-of-the-art planning systems, cost control, project management and the latest construction techniques to minimise construction costs.

He said the construction industry was the third largest industry in the country and it played a vital role in socio-economic development of the country.

The minister said the country’s infrastructure, sanctuary and employment were directly related to the construction sector. The construction sector, he said, played an important role in generating income in both formal and informal sectors.

He said the government was also considering to revisit the by-laws to facilitate and attract more investors in the federal capital. He said the government was also revising the lay out plan of Islamabad, keeping in view the present situation of the city.

“The layout plan prepared in 1960 requires a revisit after 57 years, keeping in view the present situation of the city,” he said.

ABAD Chairman Arif Yousuf Jeewa said the construction sector played a key role in providing employment at a large scale and raising the living standards of the people.

He said contribution of construction industry towards the global Gross Domestic Product, revolved around one-10th of the total amount.

He said the ABAD would arrange an international expo in Islamabad from April 4-6 to bring together all the construction related stakeholders at one platform.

“ABAD International Expo 2018 Islamabad is the largest platform available for professionals related to construction along with allied industries,” he added.

Published in Daily Times, February  18^th 2018.