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www.smartcitypk.com We are Building A Smart Pakistan
An Exclusive Interview with
MR. M. ASLAM MALIK,
(GROUP CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER)
Capital and Lahore Smart Cities
Today, we have the privilege of
engaging in an enlightening
conversation with Mr. Aslam
Malik, the Group Chief Operating
Officer of Capital and Lahore
Smart Cities, to gain insights into
the visionary initiatives shaping
the future of urban development
in Pakistan.
INSPIRATION BEHIND CAPITAL AND
LAHORE SMART CITIES
Q1: What inspired the conception of Capital
and Lahore Smart Cities, and how do they
reflect FDHL's vision?
A: The genesis of Capital and Lahore Smart
Cities stems from a visionary outlook to
redefine urban living and reflects FDHL's
commitment to delivering exceptional quality
of life and fostering economic growth.
OVERVIEW OF SMART CITIES
CONCEPT
Q2: Mr. Malik, could you please provide us a
comprehensive overview of the concept of
smart cities and why they are pivotal in
today's world?
A: Certainly, smart cities are urban areas that
leverage technology, data, and innovation to
create sustainable, efficient, and resilient
ecosystems. They are pivotal in today's world
as they offer solutions to pressing global
challenges like climate change, rapid
urbanization, and social inequality. By
integrating smart transportation, energy,
water management, and waste reduction
systems, smart cities can significantly reduce
their environmental footprint and enhance
the quality of life for citizens. Additionally,
they foster innovation, drive economic
growth, and create new opportunities for
businesses and individuals alike.
INITIATIVE-24 - OVERVIEW
Q3: What is the significance of Initiative-24
for Capital and Lahore Smart Cities?
A: Initiative-24 embodies our commitment to
pioneering excellence in urban development
and realizing the vision of both cities as
world-class hubs of innovation and livability.
www.lahoresmartcitypk.com
KEY PROJECTS UNDER INITIATIVE-24 FUTURE IMPACT OF CAPITAL AND
Q4: Could you elaborate on the key projects LAHORE SMART CITIES
under Initiative-24 and their expected Q5: How do you envision the future impact of
completion? Capital and Lahore Smart Cities on Pakistan's
A: Definitely, Initiative-24 is a road map to socio-economic landscape?
achieve the targets and fulfill our promises, it A: Both cities represent catalysts for
embodies a multifaceted approach to propel socio-economic transformation, attracting
the smart city into a realm of comprehensive investment, fostering entrepreneurship, and
development across various sectors, let me elevating living standards while serving as
share a brief detail; models for sustainable urban development
regionally and globally.
The Phase-I of interchange is nearing
completion, with about 12 booths installed ROLE OF CORPORATE PARTNERS
and all allied work finalized. We're eagerly Q6: What role do corporate partners play in
awaiting official permissions, which we the realization of Initiative-24, and how do
anticipate receiving soon. On the west side, you ensure mutually beneficial
significant progress has been made, collaborations?
including the installation of 10 booths, entry A: Corporate partners bring expertise,
and exit points, and fiber optics laying. With resources, and innovation, prioritizing
the assistance of FWO & NHA, M-TAG collaborative relationships built on trust,
installations are in their final stages. However, transparency, and shared goals to drive
connecting to the motorway requires fence mutual growth and benefit the larger
cutting permission and subsequent bridge community.
construction, following security protocols.
Similarly, the plans for Overseas Prime-II have
been received by SJ, spanning over 7000 FUTURE VISION OF CAPITAL SMART
acres, aligning with customer demand. CITY MANAGEMENT
Q7: Could you shed light on the future vision
Inclusivity is our priority, as we aim to of Capital Smart City management and the
incorporate individuals left out from previous strategic role of the COO in steering these
balloting due to various reasons. Executive projects forward?
blocks' extension is in the plan, offering A: The future vision revolves around
priority plots to members. Our vision is to
clear all liabilities within this fiscal year. sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity,
Now, after vertical development we are aiming to create a model city for the 21st
century. As COO, my role is to provide
focusing on Horizontal development strategic direction, inspire teams, and ensure
surpassed expectations, allowing us to focus alignment with core values. We are
on vertical expansion. Our aim is to transform envisioning an unmatchable living standard
the smart city into a sustainable, green, and in the country and set benchmarks to follow
livable community. Essential amenities like with pride.
electricity, gas, and drinkable tap water are
already in place. Recreational areas, schools, IMPACTFUL EDUCATION PROJECTS
and mosques enhance residents' quality of Q8: Among the education projects, which will
life. Entertainment projects, including hotels have the most significant impact on shaping
and adventure parks, are underway as part of the future of youth?
Initiative 24. A: The establishment of Smart STEM High
We're extending invitations to investors Schools and Colleges, coupled with
interested in partnering with us. specialized institutions for special children,
Opportunities range from hospitality projects will have a transformative impact by
to real estate ventures. Collaboration with UK equipping youth with skills, knowledge, and
doctors for a 500-bed hospital project values needed to thrive.
exemplifies our inclusive approach. Similarly,
Anfal Holidays' hospitality projects opens OBJECTIVES IN HEALTHCARE
various investment avenues. Q9: What are the key objectives of healthcare
Our focus is on developing smart residential projects under Initiative-24?
communities with modern amenities. We're A: Healthcare projects aim to enhance
committed to creating sustainable and livable accessibility, affordability, and quality of
environments for residents. services by establishing state-of-the-art
In health sector The establishment of a hospitals, specialized institutes, and medical
500-bed hospital, along with a medical colleges.
college, underscores our commitment to
providing high-quality healthcare services. PROMOTION OF SPORTS AND
We welcome collaboration opportunities with
foreign doctors to enhance specialty services. ADVENTURE
We're introducing entertainment projects like Q10: How do you plan to realize aspirations for
hotels and adventure parks to enrich sports and adventure through Initiative-24?
residents' experiences. Recreational facilities A: Initiatives include developing cricket and
such as parks and coffee shops further football grounds, polo arenas, shooting
enhance the smart city's appeal. ranges, and adventure arenas to create a
dynamic sports ecosystem for enthusiasts of
Anfal Holidays is spearheading tourism all ages and interests. We have the privilege of
development initiatives, offering partnership building International level cricket and
opportunities in hospitality projects. Our football stadiums fulfilling the requirements
transportation services ensure convenient of ICB and FIFA. Similarly, Our residents will
travel for visitors within Rawalpindi/ be enjoying the international level
Islamabad.
environment in the sports training academies