Islamabad’s historic Saidpur Village is set for a major transformation. The centuries-old village nestled at the foothills of the Margallas will be upgraded into an international-standard tourist and commercial hub after getting the instructions from Mohsin Naqvi. It will help in blending this heritage with modern kind of facilities.
Crackdown on Encroachments
To kick off the plan, authorities have launched a massive-scale anti-encroachment operation in the area. Over the years, Saidpur has seen a mushroom growth of illegal constructions and unauthorized businesses, many occupying government land without paying rent.
The operation, targeting encroachments raised on nearly 360 kanals of land since 2005, is being carried out indiscriminately. Several long-occupied properties have already been vacated.
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Minister Naqvi personally visited the site to monitor the drive, along with the ongoing beautification and upgradation works. He has given instructions to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the District Municipal Administration (DMA) to ensure strict action against all illegal structures and to auction vacated properties in a transparent manner.
A New Look for a Historic Village
While Saidpur has long been famous for its historic charm and rustic restaurants, the new plan envisions turning it into a modern recreational destination. The minister has unveiled that well-known restaurant brands from Karachi and Lahore would soon be introduced in the village, further boosting its appeal for both locals and tourists.
At the same time, special emphasis is being placed on cleanliness, greenery, and heritage restoration. CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa briefed the minister that satellite imagery is being used to check illegal structures and that the green core area of Saidpur is also being revived.
A Boost for Tourism and Citizens
Officials say the revival of Saidpur will not only add to the beauty of Islamabad but also provide citizens with a new leisure and dining spot. For foreign tourists, it will provide an accessible cultural hub within the capital, combining history, food, and scenic surroundings.
By pledging to use “all available resources,” Minister Naqvi has made it clear that Saidpur’s development will be treated as a flagship project for tourism and recreation in Islamabad.