Bahria Town residents in Rawalpindi protest against absence of ‘basic amenities’

Residents of Bahria Town in Rawalpindi have voiced their frustration through a protest, demanding the provision of basic civic amenities that they claim have been consistently withheld despite hefty fees paid to the Bahria Town administration. The demonstration, held at Allama Iqbal Junction Phase 8, saw a significant turnout of residents, traders, property owners, and community leaders, joined by representatives from Jamaat-i-Islami, highlighting the widespread discontent.

Leading the charge, Tahir Nihad Bajwa, Chairman of RABT and President of BRACE, articulated the community's grievances, pointing to systemic failures in governance and service delivery. The core of their complaint is the disparity between the substantial payments made and the lack of essential services, including electricity, water, maintenance, and security. Traders' representative Atta Khan echoed these sentiments, specifically highlighting excessive charges for utilities and maintenance that have not translated into adequate service provision.

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The community has been paying heavily without receiving basic rights or services.

The protesters presented a charter of demands, urging the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) and Capital Development Authority (CDA) to appoint an owners' association to manage Bahria Town's affairs within 15 days. Their demands also encompass the transfer of the electricity system to the Islamabad Electric Supply Company, an independent audit of the past 21 years, refunds for excess charges, the establishment of property rights, relief for investors, and accountability for regulatory failures by bodies like the RDA and CDA.

This protest, reported by Dawn, underscores a significant governance issue in Pakistan, where large private housing developments often leave residents struggling for basic rights and services. The residents' determination to hold both the private developer, Bahria Town Private Limited, and the regulatory authorities accountable signals a growing demand for transparency and effective service delivery in urban planning and management.

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Services have consistently failed despite heavy payments.