Bids opened for Ashiana-e-Iqbal project

Ashiana-e-Iqbal housing project was launched by the Punjab government to cater to the housing needs of low-income strata of the society and to provide people with an affordable opportunity to own a home in a decent environment.

After its launch, a large number of people applied for apartments in Ashiana-e-Iqbal housing project. The project spans 3,100 Kanals and the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has been given the responsibility to execute the project. The authority plans to build apartments of 500, 600, and 700 square feet in the society.

A public-private partnership was proposed to be developed to complete the project, as a private partner was required to finance, design and develop plots and apartments in Ashiana-e-Iqbal.

Recent development

The strategic policy unit (SPU) of the LDA received bids from two interested parties such as Sparco and GHIP and opened the bids before media and the government officials after thorough evaluation. Sparco, in its bid, proposed to build 4.248 million square feet of 3100 kanals allocated for the project, while the GHIP proposed to develop 2.061 million square foot of the total area.

The selected private partner would be allotted commercial and residential units in Ashiana-e-Iqbal with complete proprietary rights.
An LDA official told reporters that apparently the Sparco had offered to develop more area than the GHIP, but the bidder would be finalised after in-depth analysis of the bids placed.

The receiving of two bids from two potential parties for a public-private partnership was something that happened first time in the history of the province, the official added.

SPU Project Director Mr Moazzam Iqbal told reporters that 100 percent transparency would be ensured in the bidding process and the LDA would maintain quality in the delivery of the project.

I know many of you have applied for a unit in Ashiana-e-Iqbal for which I wish you the very best of luck.