In Pakistan, the development of urban areas, particularly the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, is increasing at a rapid rate. Increasing need of modern, sustainable and well connected housing, various mega projects are coming up, not only to construct houses, but also to develop new forms of communities.
The leaders in these are Capital Smart City and DHA Gandhara (Phase 9). They provide an opportunity to transform the city life in terms of structure, facilities, connectivity, investment opportunities.
Introduction: What Is a Mega Project?
Some of the characteristic features of such mega projects are before we get down to it:
- Tens of thousands of kanals, very large land areas.
- Several residential, business and recreational areas.
- Contemporary, infrastructural roads, water and transport facilities.
- Parks, schools, hospitals and shopping districts.
- Good legal position and licenses.
- Good accessibility to highways, airports and big cities.
Both Capital Smart City and DHA Gandhara are attempting to fulfill these requirements. Let’s look at each in detail.
DHA Gandhara (Phase 9)
Key Facts and Location
DHA Phase 9 also referred to as Dha gandhara is a project of the Defence Housing Authority in partnership with Habib Rafiq Pvt Ltd. It spans approximately 32,500 kanals of land and it is adjacent to Capital Smart City on the M-2 Motorway, near Chakri Interchange. It is one of the most strategically located societies in the area due to its location near Islamabad International Airport and the Rawalpindi Ring road.
Master Plan and Features
The master plan comprises of residential, commercial and recreational sectors which are planned to have a modern living. The plot sizes will be 5 Marla to 2 Kanal and there will be premium 4 and 8 Kanal villas in the selected sectors. The development plan includes such amenities as parks, jogging tracks, shopping areas, schools, and hospitals.
DHA Gandhara strives to provide a healthy living with all the necessary facilities at convenient distances..
Legal and Investment Aspects
As a DHA project, it has a high level of trust and brand name. Its early booking rates are relatively lower and so the investor has a chance of having increased returns. The correlation of the project to the key infrastructure is the key to valuation in the next few years.
Capital Smart City
Key Facts and Location
Habib Rafiq Private Ltd and Future Development Holdings are the developers of the Capital Smart City. Surbana Jurong, a famous Singapore-based company was the one to prepare its master plan. The population covers approximately 55,000 and almost 80,000 kanals. It is at the M-2 motorway just outside the Thalian Interchange and also close to the New Islamabad International Airport, and is easily accessible off the Rawalpindi Ring Road. The Rawalpindi Development Authority has also approved the NOC of the project..
Urban Planning and Districts
The society is subdivided into a few areas including the Overseas Districts, Executive District, Harmony Park, Hills View Heights and Cultural Heritage District. It provides residential plots, commercial areas as well as farmhouses of different sizes. The project is developed under the principles of the smart city with such features as the smart transport system, security, energy management, and green belt and eco-friendly design.
Amenities and Infrastructure
Capital Smart City has a broad entrance avenue, golf course, parks, hospitals, schooling establishments and business centers. It is also developed with smart infrastructure of electricity, water, and waste management, green zones, and walking tracks.
Investment and Challenges
Its strategic location and the rapid pace of development has brought a good reputation in the society. Some of the issues, however, are project delays in some blocks, escalating prices because of increased costs of construction. Nevertheless, it is also one of the most promising investments in the real estate sector of Pakistan.
Comparison: Capital Smart City vs DHA Gandhara
| Feature | Capital Smart City | DHA Gandhara (Phase 9) |
| Developer | Habib Rafiq Pvt Ltd + FDH | Defence Housing Authority + Habib Rafiq Pvt Ltd |
| Land Area | 55,000–80,000 kanals | 26,000–32,500 kanals |
| Location | M-2 Motorway, Thalian Interchange, near Airport | M-2 Motorway, Chakri Interchange, near Airport |
| Plot Sizes | 5 Marla to 2 Kanal, farmhouses | 5 Marla to 8 Kanal, luxury villas |
| Amenities | Smart systems, green planning, commercial hubs | Parks, business districts, eco-friendly environment |
| Investment Potential | High ROI, strong demand, early development | High brand value, long-term appreciation |
| Challenges | Development delays, price fluctuations | Slow infrastructure rollout, competition |
How These Projects Will Redefine Urban Living
- These two projects are redefining the Pakistani urban life as they are bringing:
- Unified communities in which people are able to live, work and shop on the same premises.
- Intelligent and green planning that will cut down on energy wastage and encourage green living.
- Better connectivity by major road networks and vicinity to major urban centers.
- Luxury housing and affordable housing mix to accommodate various income earners.
- The incorporation of business zones that facilitate economic business and residential comfort.
Challenges and What to Watch Out For
- Infrastructure development and construction of utilities on time.
- Regulatory transparency and new NOC approvals.
- Expenses of materials and plots raised due to inflation.
- Competition of different mega projects in the market.
- Long-term investment periods that are patient-based.
Conclusion
The real estate development in Pakistan is taking a new shape by Capital Smart City and DHA Gandhara. Capital Smart City has modern smart-living, and high-paced development, whereas DHA Gandhara has the advantage of brand reliability and the possibility of high investments. Both are an overhaul of the urban lifestyle in Pakistanis- promise an element of comfort, connectivity and sustainability to a new generation of modern housing.
