Good Governance Forum Seeks Restoration of Hayatabad Plan

News Desk

Peshawar: The Good Governance Forum has urged the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government to restore Hayatabad’s Master Plan to its original vision of a modern, sustainable township, free from encroachments and arbitrary land-use conversions.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa—with copies sent to the Chief Minister, the Minister for Local Government, the Secretary Local Government, and the Director General Peshawar Development Authority (PDA)—Forum Chairman Dr Syed Akhtar Ali Shah drew attention to the deterioration of the township’s original plan.

He recalled that Hayatabad was initially conceived by the Urban Development Board, later managed by the PDA, as a model of modern urban planning rooted in sustainable development. The Master Plan had allocated land for residential neighborhoods, downtowns, hospitals, schools, universities, parks, playgrounds, community centers, clubs, mosques, restaurants, and other civic amenities, aimed at providing Peshawar’s citizens with a balanced and serene living environment.

However, Dr Shah noted, this vision has been eroded over time. Green belts, playgrounds, and community facilities have been converted into commercial and residential plots; natural drains and water channels essential for flood management have been built over; and community centers intended for cultural and social activities have been turned into commercial marriage halls.

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These alterations, he warned, undermine the principles of sustainable urban growth.

Dr Shah cited the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in the Karachi Master Plan case (Order dated January 22, 2019, authored by Justice Gulzar Ahmad), in which the Court ruled that structures raised in violation of master plans and environmental laws must be removed and land restored to its intended use.

He stressed that this principle applied equally to Hayatabad.

He also referred to the Shehla Zia vs. WAPDA case (PLD 1994 SC 693), where the Supreme Court held that the right to life and dignity under Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution includes the right to a clean and healthy environment. This, he argued, further strengthens the case for restoring Hayatabad’s Master Plan.

Highlighting Pakistan’s commitments to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), he said any steps to restore Hayatabad would also align with international obligations to ensure sustainable urban growth, protect the environment, and provide resilient infrastructure.

In his recommendations, Dr Shah proposed:

Gradual removal of illegal structures in violation of the Master Plan and environmental laws.

Strict enforcement of the Master Plan to prevent arbitrary conversions.

Protection and revival of green spaces and water channels to mitigate urban flooding.

Accountability mechanisms to avoid future violations.

Active involvement of residents’ associations in protecting public spaces.

Development of playgrounds and the Hi-Tech Park as envisaged in the original plan.

He further emphasized that under Section 11 of the Peshawar Development Authority Act, 1975, the PDA is legally bound to prepare, implement, and enforce Master Plans and to preserve public parks, open spaces, and amenities. Any deviation, he said, constitutes both a breach of public trust and a violation of the law.

As per the Rules of Business, 1985, the Chief Secretary is responsible for ensuring compliance across departments with statutory and constitutional obligations. Dr Shah underlined that the Chief Secretary’s leadership would be critical in directing the PDA and other authorities to fulfill their duties and restore Hayatabad in line with the law and public interest.

He added that Hayatabad still retains some open spaces, which, if properly preserved and developed, could once again make it a showcase of good governance and sustainable urban management.

With strong institutional resolve and support from provincial leadership, he expressed confidence that the township could be restored to its original promise.

Concluding his letter, Dr Shah requested that the government prepare an action plan with a clear timeline for the restoration and development of Hayatabad, ensuring meaningful monitoring and progress.