Honestly, I feel like nobody talks enough about this. Islamabad keeps expanding, new housing societies keep coming up, and the villages that existed here long before the city seem to be getting pushed aside.
Look at areas like Kuri and Malot, and developments like Margalla Enclave and Park View City. I’m not saying all development is bad, but have we ever seriously thought about what happens to the people who already live on this land?
What I find concerning is that Islamabad’s planning has long recognised the existence of rural settlements, yet many questions remain about how these villages will fit into the city’s future. Some areas are subject to strict zoning rules, while development projects continue to raise questions about land use and planning decisions.
And it’s not just about houses. These villages have their own history, communities, livelihoods and ways of life. When a village gets surrounded by housing societies, roads and commercial projects, what happens to the people who grew up there? What happens to their land, access roads and identity?
I understand that land ownership can be complicated and that development is necessary. But I feel there should be transparency about how land is acquired, how residents are treated, and whether the same rules are applied consistently to everyone.
My question is: are we building a modern Islamabad while slowly forgetting the people and villages that were here before it?
I’d genuinely like to hear what other people think, especially those familiar with these areas. Are the villages being properly protected, or is urban expansion changing their future without enough public discussion?
