Islamabad to get new Safari Park under CDA project

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced that it will go ahead with plans for a Safari Park in Islamabad at the cost of PKR 10 billion. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) leads this project, which was declared by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during the inauguration of Serena Interchange.

Naqvi himself could be said to have little experience with such rides since he oversaw the construction of one in Lahore while the chief minister of Punjab. They will develop a world-class attraction for the capital, similar to what already exists in Lahore.

The first plan was to put it in Fatima Jinnah Park, but now other locations are being explored. Naqvi stated that the project would take between 18 and 36 months to be completed from the date of breaking ground.

In the last five years, CDA has netted a revenue of Rs. 129 billion from commercial plot auctions which will most probably be paid toward this project and other developmental activities in the capital.

Among other things in the pipeline for Islamabad, perhaps as interesting will be the CDA announcing the launch of zip lines and cable cars, allowing for tourism and recreational activity for residents.

There exist some magnificent safari parks and wildlife reserves in Pakistan already, such as the Margalla Hills National Park, which is home to leopards, wild boars, and hundreds of bird species.