Staff Reporter
The Punjab Government has leased out land of the Walton Airport for 99 years to the Lahore Central Business District Development Authority (LCBDDA) also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab).
LCBDDA is set to contribute to the modern urbanization and help assemble a business community which was never seen before in the country.
The LCBDDA is aligned with the government vision, focusing on encourage more influx towards the national exchequer while shifting the old Walton Airport from centre of the city.
Such efforts will help to change the overall culture of business and investment in the country.
The Punjab government has compensated 486 acres of state land to CAA. Walton airport has already been decommissioned due to citizen’s safety hazard in residential area of the city.
The allocated land will be treated based on the available revenue record – 52 acres under the ownership of CAA and 70 acres with the government of Punjab.
Revenue-sharing will be based on percentage as per ownership in net profit with the first three years as grace for the development of infrastructure.
Shareholding of the government of Punjab will be 57.4% in line with 70 acres of land while the CAA share will be 42.6% of net profit. Total land area is 122 acres.
Approval of land equity model at the rate of 42.6% of net profit for 52 acres of CAA land as recommended by the committee constituted by the cabinet in the case considered on April 1, 2021; appointment of director general CAA as “Authority to award” compensation as under Sub-section 6(2) of the Civil Aviation Ordinance, 1960.
CBDs, the areas with high economic activity will provide a suitable ecosystem and infrastructure to support the income of people.
Our urban population with 37% of the total in Pakistan contributes over 60% in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). This contribution may likely increase as Pakistan rides high on economic growth.
Urban groups, in presence of central business districts (CBDs), office facilities and business hubs will carry new opportunities.
