Islamabad, August 22, 2025 — Islamabad is poised for a landmark transformation as the federal government, in collaboration with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA), announced plans to redevelop Saidpur Model Village into an international-standard tourist and commercial hub.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, unveiling the initiative earlier this week, stressed that the project goes beyond cosmetic improvements.
“This is not just a facelift — it is about restoring Saidpur’s heritage while creating a modern, vibrant hub for tourists and businesses alike,” said Naqvi, highlighting the dual vision of cultural preservation and modern urban development.
Anti-Encroachment Drive & Heritage Restoration
As a first step, authorities have launched an extensive anti-encroachment operation in Saidpur Village. Illegal structures constructed after 2005, covering nearly 360 kanals, are being removed. The reclaimed land will be auctioned transparently, ensuring fair opportunities for investors and businesses.
To ensure long-term protection of the site, satellite imagery is being deployed to monitor and prevent unauthorized construction in the future. Alongside this, efforts are underway to restore the green core of Saidpur, giving new life to the historic village nestled in the foothills of Margalla Hills.
Culinary & Commercial Revamp
The plan also includes a culinary transformation, with renowned restaurants from Karachi and Lahore set to establish outlets in Saidpur. Officials believe this will not only diversify Islamabad’s dining scene but also attract food lovers from across the country.
By combining gastronomy with heritage tourism, Saidpur will offer visitors a unique mix of traditional charm and cosmopolitan flair. The addition of new commercial outlets and recreational spaces aims to position the area as a premium destination for both locals and international tourists.
Islamabad as a ‘Tourist City’
This redevelopment aligns with the federal government’s earlier declaration in May 2025, officially designating Islamabad as a “tourist city.” The broader vision seeks to integrate heritage sites like Saidpur with modern infrastructure projects, including:
- A theme park and electric cable car system across Margalla Hills.
- A vibrant food street in Blue Area to enhance nightlife and visitor experience.
- Beautification drives under the “Clean and Green Islamabad” campaign, introducing plastic-free zones, tree plantations, and modern waste management.
Parallel Mega-Projects Boosting the Capital’s Profile
Islamabad’s transformation is further amplified by several parallel projects:
- J7 Emporium — set to be Islamabad’s tallest mixed-use mall with shopping, hotels, offices, and residences, along with a Tech 7 zone for digital innovation.
- The Health Park near Islamabad Airport — a 625-acre medical tourism and education city, integrating hospitals, research facilities, and wellness centers.
- Islamabad Model Special Economic Zone (IMSEZ) — launched under CPEC, projected to attract $2.5 billion in investment and create 1,000+ jobs.
These initiatives, when combined with Saidpur’s redevelopment, underline Islamabad’s positioning as a regional hub for tourism, commerce, and technology.
Economic & Social Impact
The revitalization of Saidpur and related projects are expected to:
- Create new employment opportunities in hospitality, retail, and services.
- Stimulate domestic and foreign investment in real estate, IT, and tourism sectors.
- Strengthen Islamabad’s role as a gateway to northern scenic destinations.
- Improve the quality of life for residents through cleaner, greener, and more organized urban spaces.
Challenges & Considerations
Despite its promise, the project faces critical challenges:
- Balancing development with heritage preservation — ensuring modernization does not erase Saidpur’s historic character.
- Sustainability concerns — maintaining eco-friendly standards in construction, waste management, and traffic flow.
- Community involvement — addressing the concerns of local residents and small businesses during the transition.
The Road Ahead
Authorities have confirmed that the auctioning of reclaimed plots will begin in the coming weeks, followed by phased development of new commercial and recreational facilities. Saidpur will serve as the model blueprint for Islamabad’s broader strategy to merge heritage, culture, and commerce under one sustainable framework.
As Mohsin Naqvi emphasized:
“Islamabad is not only the political capital of Pakistan — it must also be a capital of culture, tourism, and opportunity.”
