CDA proposes to convert F-9 Park into club
Ministers oppose CDA’s plan and call for utilizing it for educational purposes
Aftab Ahmed
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has proposed to utilize the Metropolitan Club Building, F-9 Park as a Club.
However, a majority of committee members have either use it for education purposes or facilitate tourists who come from the far-flung area of the country.
Chairman, CDA briefed the forum that the building was constructed for the purpose of a Club of Cigar Lobby, Lounge Snack Bars, Kitchens, Restaurants, Pools and Snooker Area.
The Chairman, CDA presented a plan for utilization of F-9 Park as a Club. He said that as per their study the best use for the part is utilizing it as a Club which will be managed by the administration of Islamabad Club. He shared that the Club building was constructed at a cost of Rs.2.5 billion.
Minister for Interior
The Minister for Interior has supported /recommended the plan presented to Chairman, CDA for utilization of F-9 Park as a Club. As regards the establishment of Arts and Cultural University, Minister has suggested that a building situated at Shakarparian namely Arts and Craft Village may be allocated for educational Institutions if the Prime Minister is agreed.
Minister for Federal Education
The Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training categorically rejected the proposal of CDA. He said the building is eminently suitable for establishing Arts and Cultural University.
Minister for Finance & Revenue
Minister for Finance & Revenue added that establishing an educational institution is the first priority being a good initiative and attracts no criticism from the public. However, the finances for the subject proposal need calculation.
The second priority option is to utilize the said building for tourism to facilitate youth. The third option is for the establishment of a club that will be sustaining. However, CDA has to give solid reasons for the establishment of the club.
Minister for Human Rights
The Minister for Human Rights said her first preference was for a youth hostel tourist facility for low-income tourists. She supported the Education Minister’s proposal and suggested spreading sports facilities to all Islamabad university students endorsing the proposal of Minister Federal Education and Professional Training.
The federal minister also proposed to utilize the building for Tourism to facilitate the youth of our country who come to visit Islamabad from various areas of Pakistan. She further suggested handing over land to the park.
Advisor to the PM on Parliamentary Affairs
The Advisor to the PM on Parliamentary Affairs said keeping in view the Judgment of Supreme Court of Pakistan, he invited the attention of the Committee to three important points of the judgment as under which in fact triggered the matter under reference:-
The government will use the building for the purpose of public welfare. What action the government has taken against the people involved in the spending of huge public money? Chairman, CDA shall ensure implementation of the judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan within a period of three months.
Chairman had proposed offering 4000 memberships to the citizens of Islamabad. He stated the population of Islamabad is about two million. How many out of them will get this membership? Rather elite will use which will be again a violation of the Judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Lastly, to sum-up my view, there is only one option government should use this building for education purpose.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet secretary endorsed the proposal of the Chairman, CDA utilizing the facility as a Club. However, it was proposed that the current government is focusing on tourism and Islamabad is the base camp for all local and international tourists going up north, especially people from those segments who cannot afford high-end accommodation. He proposed to place the Club under the control of the PTDC, as the same is by the Prime Minister, who is Chairman of the Board of Directors.
