IBDA Chairman Calls for Investor-Friendly Policies, Urges Focus on Long-Term Investment in Hotel and Healthcare Sectors

ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Islamabad Builders and Developers Association (IBDA), Chaudhry Naseer Ahmed, has called for improvements in the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) policies, particularly in light of recent auctions of hotel sites and petrol pumps, to make the investment process more effective and attractive for investors.

In a statement, he welcomed positive initiatives in the federal capital, including the construction of underpasses, development of Srinagar Highway and tree plantation, acknowledging the efforts being made by the CDA and its current chairman to improve the city. However, he stressed that the hotel and healthcare sectors require special attention in view of Islamabad’s growing needs.

He also referred to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s statement indicating a proposal to receive inventory in return for providing land, describing it as an important aspect of the policy framework.

Chaudhry Naseer Ahmed explained that the hotel industry requires substantial investment not only in land but also in construction. Investors may have to wait 12 to 15 years to recover their investment and begin generating returns. A similar situation exists in the hospital sector, he added.

He proposed greater flexibility in policies to encourage mixed-use projects combining hotels and serviced apartments, following international practices. Such measures, he said, could help restore investor interest and encourage long-term investment in the capital.

The IBDA chairman noted that the CDA had previously offered plots for hotels and hospitals through auctions, but the auctions failed to attract an adequate response. He urged the authority to strike a balance between the prices of commercial land and the rates set for hotel projects to make investment opportunities more viable.

Chaudhry Naseer Ahmed also made a strong appeal to Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other relevant senior officials to give special attention to improving Islamabad’s infrastructure on a sector-wise basis, particularly in the Diplomatic Enclave and other key sectors.

He stressed the need to improve roads, street lighting, green spaces, footpaths and other essential infrastructure to enhance the capital’s overall standards and bring them further in line with international benchmarks.