Lahore: Zameen.com Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Zeeshan Ali Khan on Tuesday remarked that the timeframe of the government’s amnesty scheme should be extended to encourage more investments in the construction sector. He expressed his views on the matter during an interview appearance on the prime time cable TV show ‘Dunya Kamran Khan Kay Sath’.
He explained that the ideation and planning process for a new construction project required a minimum of three months; adding that the authorities concerned usually issued seven or more approval certifications for a construction initiative; which made the whole process ‘time-consuming’. Commenting on the amnesty scheme deadline – set to expire on December 31 – he said that the timeframe for the construction industry relief package was ‘short term and we need more time to reap its long-term benefits’.
Moreover, with regard to the approvals for the construction industry, Khan lauded the government’s measure to expedite the process by launching one-window operations in provincial development authorities. However, he also suggested the introduction of ‘consolidated one window cells’ that shall encompass all civic authorities and agencies – to expedite the approvals process.
Responding to a question about the government’s construction relief package, he said that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s vision for the ‘low-risk industry has helped things considerably’. He revealed that the transaction volume in real estate state purchase had improved and property rates were seen to increase during the past few months. ‘Many new firms and individuals are stepping into the development side of real estate, which is an encouraging trend,’ he further stated.
Regarding the Naya Pakistan Housing Programme (NPHP), the Zameen CEO said that the government needed to achieve the ‘right price point’ with the private sector in the joint ventures if it wanted to ensure and maintain the affordability of low-cost housing units. Commenting on the ‘ambitious scope of the Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project (RRUDP)’, Khan said that the initiative – modelled after a similar project on the River Thames – had been on the cards since the country’s inception.
Hazafa reveres the art of writing and has been turned into a property enthusiast by profession. Her daily survival kit includes; tea, coffee, keyboard and paperbacks.
the suggestions put forward by MR.ZAK with particular reference to’right price point’ and a reasonable extension in time frame are the soul touching of the NPHP may be considered timely to place the project on the fast track to deliver the benefits to all the parties.
the suggestions put forward by MR.ZAK with particular reference to’right price point’ and a reasonable extension in time frame are the soul touching of the NPHP may be considered timely to place the project on the fast track to deliver the benefits to all the parties.