29/06/2026
I wanted to bring something to your attention that is deeply concerning to many of us who have lived in F-7, Islamabad, for decades.
A designated public green belt and park in our neighbourhood is currently being cleared to make way for what is being described as the " " as part of a Pakistan-Uzbekistan initiative. At the same time, Parveen Shakir Road named after one of Pakistan's most celebrated poets is reportedly being renamed Tashkent Road.
Let me be absolutely clear: this is not about opposing Uzbekistan or honouring Babur. We value Pakistan's close friendship with Uzbekistan and fully support commemorating our shared history. Our concern is that this is being done by sacrificing protected public green space and erasing part of Islamabad's own cultural identity, when both objectives could easily coexist elsewhere.
Residents are also extremely worried about the long-term impact. The proposed market is likely to generate severe traffic congestion, create parking problems, diminish one of the few remaining green spaces in the area, and potentially bring the sort of public order and safety issues that often accompany poorly planned commercial encroachment into residential neighbourhoods.
Our community has written to the Prime Minister, the , and the Ambassador of , requesting that the work be paused and that meaningful public consultation take place before any irreversible decisions are made.
Given your longstanding interest in governance, accountability, and urban planning, I thought this was something you may wish to look into. If it is of interest, I'd be happy to share the background, photographs, official correspondence, and other relevant material.
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