EdITorIAL
CEO’S FOREWORD
EdITor IbRAhIm SuhEyl ASSISTANT EdITor SAmRA ZulFIqAR
SUCCESSFUL INITIATIVES First and foremost, I would like to wish all of our readers a very happy Eid-ul-Azha on behalf of everyone at Zameen.com. I hope and pray that God’s blessings remain with all of us going forward. This is the seventh edition of Zameen.com magazine, and I am proud to say that this product has far exceeded our expectations in terms of reception in the market so far. I would like to thank all the stakeholders for their invaluable support and encouragement.
WrITErS ZAIn nAdEEm AhSEn GhuFRAn KhAn SAmEER AFZAl
CrEATIVE CrEATIVE HEAd SAbEEn AlI dESIgNErS munEEb IjAZ AmmAR TOOR
dEVELopEr AdVErTISINg HEAd, dEVELopEr BUSINESS ASIm IFTIKhAR
AgENT AdVErTISINg rEgIoNAL HEAd (NorTH) AhmAd bhATTI
In this issue, you can read in detail about new ventures that Zameen.com has recently undertaken and is going to undertake in the near future. We have launched the Zameen App for both iPhones and Android phones and it is available for download from the App Store and Google Play.
rEgIoNAL HEAd (SoUTH) mAShOOd REhmAn
The Zameen.com Property Expo 2014, the largest exclusively real estate event in Pakistan’s history, is also scheduled to take place next month and this issue of the magazine includes a detailed look at what it is all about. I encourage potential exhibitors as well as visitors to come be a part of this unique and highly promising real estate event.
MANAgEMENT CHIEF ExECUTIVE oFFICEr ZEEShAn AlI KhAn
Once again, thank you for your support in Zameen.com’s journey towards the heights of excellence.
ExECUTIVE CHAIrMAN GIllES blAnChARd
SALES MANAgErS (CENTrAL) KAmRAn ShEhZAd hASSAn AhmEd
CHIEF opErATINg oFFICEr ImRAn AlI KhAn
dISCLAIMEr
Regards,
Although every reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, neither the publisher, editor nor their employees and agents can be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions, howsoever. We shall not be responsible for any loss or damage, whether direct or indirect, incidental or consequential arising from or in connection with the contents of this publication and shall not accept any liability in relation thereto. The views by our contributors expressed here are their personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect Zameen.com’s views.
Zeeshan Ali Khan Chief Executive Officer Zameen.com
unless otherwise noted, all artwork and ad designs printed in Zameen.com magazine are the sole property of Zameen.com pakistan and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.
prINTEr The Fortune Productions Suite no 3-4, 1st Floor, barket Centre, Royal Park, lahore
ConTEnTS CoVEr STory
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PACE CIRClE A COmPlETE RESIdEnTIAl And COmmERCIAl PROjECT WITh A 5-STAR hOTEl mAnAGEd by hyATT REGEnCy
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speCial feature
A Conversation with Abdul Majeed Zafri
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featured property
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featured property
28 32 36 38
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Burj Al Gwadar
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King’s Cottages
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speCial feature
All Hail The Zameen App
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feature story
feature story
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featured agents
feature story
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Classifieds
Market report
Analysing DHA’s Dominance In Pakistan’s Real Estate Sector
Ceramic & Mosaic Tiles: Pakistani Art At Its Best
What It Takes to Build a Modern Bathroom
So You’ve Got a Basement...
LDA PLANS TO ACQUIRE LAND TO BUILD ELEVATED EXPRESSWAY
has been finalised by the Forest department, under which two existing lakes in the park would be upgraded and expanded, per a news source.
LAHorE: The lahore development Authority (ldA) has planned to acquire land to build an elevated expressway from jail Road to motorway m2. According to a news source, the land will be acquired in Shadman Colony II, Icchra, mozang, Gulshan-e-Ravi, nawankot, bhadru, Sanda Khurd, nonarian, and Sheran Kot. The news source reported further that almost 815 kanals of land would be acquired in total for the construction of the elevated expressway.
The news source reported further that the park would feature restaurants, a playground, boating facilities, and a tourist information centre upon completion of the project.
PESHAWAR-TORKHAM HIGHWAY EXPANSION NEARS COMPLETION
CDA ALLOCATES LAND FOR SLAUGHTERHOUSE ISLAMABAd: The Capital development Authority (CdA) has given approval to allocate a new plot in Sector I-9 for the construction of a slaughterhouse, a news source has reported. Earlier, the CdA had allotted a plot in Sector h-9 for the construction of the slaughterhouse, but the same land was allotted to the metro bus Project later. This new plot for the slaughterhouse lies on Ij Principal Road in Sector I-9/14.
KMC GIVES AWAY PLOT TO KGS UNDER ‘ADOPT A PARK’ SCHEME LANdI KoTAL: The expansion of the Peshawar-Torkham highway is near completion as the contractor has expedited the work to compensate for the delay, a news source has reported. The news source stated further that the Frontier Works Organisation had been assigned the task of rebuilding a 44-km patch of the highway, and 21km of the rebuilt road had been opened to traffic.
ALLOTTEES DEMAND RE-EVALUATION OF BUP CHARGES IN G-14 ISLAMABAd: The Federal Government Employees housing Foundation (FGEhF) has increased built-up property (buP) charges in Sector G-14, and the plot-holders in the sector have called for the reevaluation of the charges, a news source has reported.
KArACHI: The Karachi metropolitan Corporation (KmC) has handed over an expensive plot reserved for a public park in Clifton to the Karachi Grammar School (KGS). The plot has been handed over to the school under the ‘Adopt a Park’ scheme, a news source has reported. however, social activists have expressed fears that the KGS might restrict public access to the park once it has been developed. The news source reported further that the KmC and the KGS had not disclosed details of the agreement under which the land in question was handed over to the school.
CM APPROVES SEWERAGE PROJECT FOR BAHAWALPUR
The news source reported further that the allottees had rejected the revision of buP charges, as this would be an additional burden on them. however, FGEhF has asserted that the charges have been revised after the assessment of buPs of Sector G-14.
FOREST DEPARTMENT TO IMPROVE NATIONAL PARK BAHAWALpUr: With a view to attract tourists to the neglected lal Sohanra national Park, the Forest department has decided to bring improvements to the facility. A comprehensive development plan costing Rs 140 million
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BAHAWALpUr: Punjab Chief minister (Cm) mr Shahbaz Sharif has given approval for the improvement of the sewerage system in bahawalpur, a news source has reported. The sewerage project, costing Rs 400 million, would ensure the provision of underground sewerage facility to the population of the city, the news source added.
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ZAMEEN.COM BECOMES OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER FOR CITYSCAPE GLOBAL 2014
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AmEEn.COm is the Official Online media Partner for Cityscape Global 2014, an international real estate event to be held on September 21-23, 2014 at dubai World Trade Centre, dubai. Zameen.com is the only Pakistani portal to be chosen for a media partnership by the organisers of Cityscape Global 2014. The three-day event will see more than 250 exhibitors from 100 countries participate and feature their developments. Cityscape Global is one of the few international events solely dedicated to the real estate sector. With dubai as its venue, the event will bring together those with real estate concerns in one of the most happening property markets in the world.
LDA SEALS OFFICES OVER VIOLATION OF RULES
the operation, various shops and retail outlets built on state land were demolished using heavy machinery.
KMC ADMINISTRATOR RECEIVES SHOW-CAUSE NOTICE FOR FAILURE TO REMOVE ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION KArACHI: The Sindh high Court (ShC) has issued a showcause notice to the Karachi metropolitan Corporation administrator for not removing illegal structures from an amenity plot in north nazimabad. According to a news source, the court had ordered the administrator to remove illegal structures from the plot in november 2011, but the court’s orders were not followed. now a two-judge bench of the ShC has told the KmC administrator to justify his stance on not removing the illegal structures.
RAWALPINDI EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DECLARES 125 SCHOOL BUILDINGS DANGEROUS rAWALpINdI: According to a survey conducted by the Rawalpindi Education department, 125 government-run school buildings have been found to be partially dangerous due to their dilapidated condition. According to a news source, eight buildings in Taxilla, 38 in Rawalpindi, six in Kahuta, 16 in murree, 40 in Gujjar Khan, 16 in Kotli Sattian, and six in Kahuta were declared dangerous in the survey and have been sealed to ensure students’ safety.
LAHorE: The lahore development Authority (ldA) has sealed the offices of three private residential societies: Awaisia Town, lahore Avenue, and Public health housing Scheme on account of violation of regulations, according to a news source. The news source stated further that the ldA did not seal the offices of nFC and E&T housing Societies, as the developers pledged to complete the formalities within a week. moreover, the civic authority sealed a school built illegally in Revenue housing Scheme and ordered the officials concerned to justify their stance on unlawful construction of the school.
LOCAL ADMINISTRATION RAZES ILLEGAL DEVELOPMENTS IN LAKKI MARWAT LAKKI MArWAT: The local administration demolished illegal structures in lakki City during a recent anti-encroachment drive, a news source has reported. The anti-encroachment operation was launched on orders from deputy Commissioner mr Zafar Ali Shah. The news source reported further that during
SHC ORDERS SBCA TO SEAL ILLEGAL BUILDING KArACHI: The Sindh high Court (ShC) has ordered the Sindh buildings Control Authority (SbCA) to take appropriate action to seal the illegally built Elite Towers on plot number 17-C in block 10 of Fb Area (Gulberg Town). According to a news source, the builder, in violation of building laws, had covered mandatory open space. moreover, possession of properties in the building was also being handed over to the allottees without obtaining no-objection certificates from the authority concerned. The ShC has directed the SbCA to seal the building without delay and submit a report on September 16.
KPT INAUGURATES PIER KArACHI: Karachi Port Trust Chairman mr Shafqat jawed recently inaugurated the reconstructed morris Pier at manora. While speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the chairman said that the reconstruction of the pier was necessary, as it had outlived its useful life.
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PROMINENT KARACHI REALTORS ORGANISE RALLY TO EXPLORE PROGRESS IN BAHRIA TOWN
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rally was organised on the occasion of defence day by Karachi’s prominent real estate agencies Takaful Real Estate, bahria Properties, Techno Real Estate, and Corporate Real Estate. The rally was organised for real estate organisations and well-known real estate agents of the city with the aim of bringing the guests up to speed with development work on the site of bahria Town Karachi. Representatives of Takaful Real Estate included mr Irfan memon, mr Saqib memon and mr Ashraf Khanani, Techno Real Estate was represented by mr Owais memon and mr naveed Anjum, while mr Saeed memon represented bahria Properties. The rally caravan gathered at Tauheed Commercial Area, dhA Phase V, and the cars and coasters from there headed to the site of bahria Town Karachi. The members of this rally were offered an exclusive tour of the site in order for them to get a first-hand look at the pace of development work at bahria Town Karachi. Zameen.com’s Karachi team, led by Regional head (South) mr mashood ur Rehman, participated in the event as
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well. by taking part in and covering such real estate activities, Zameen.com continues to play its role in helping the community promote the existing and upcoming projects in Karachi. Some of the well-known real estate
agencies who also took part in this rally included new york Real Estate, Ali Saqlain Real Estate, land master Real Estate and Enem Real Estate. Towards the end of the tour, a lucky draw was also held, in which several guests won motorcycles and mobile phones.
news stories
ZAMEEN.COM HOARDINGS GO UP IN KARACHI
that they had no records of the buildings approved by the hyderabad municipal Corporation.
RESCUE 1122, RCB TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST BUILDINGS WITH NO FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT rAWALpINdI: The Rescue 1122 and Rawalpindi Cantonment board (RCb) are set to constitute a joint committee to initiate action against buildings with no firefighting equipment.
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WO hoardings of Zameen.com are now up on Khayaban-e-Iqbal in Karachi. One of the hoardings can be seen near the CTC Shopping Centre, while the other has been erected in front of the muslim Commercial bank.
According to a news source, the committee will fine the owners and seal their buildings for lacking firefighting equipment. The news source reported further that the decision to take action was taken after 551 buildings were declared insecure by Rescue 1122.
CDA PLANS TO RECONDITION PUBLIC TOILETS
Zameen.com aims to revolutionise online property searching and works to spread real estate awareness among people. These hoardings are part of Zameen.com’s more aggressive marketing approach aimed at increasing the visibility of the portal further in order to create an even more beneficial platform for advertisers.
ISLAMABAd: While speaking during a meeting at the CdA headquarters, CdA Chairman mr maroof Afzal said that public toilet facilities would be improved in the Federal Capital.
RDA, BAHRIA TOWN IN DISPUTE OVER EXPENSIVE LAND
The chairman was apprised that there are 92 public toilets in Islamabad at the moment and contractors are managing 62 of them, with their contracts set to expire soon. The chairman ordered the officials concerned to award new contracts at the earliest to ensure that the public toilets remained well-maintained.
rAWALpINdI: An expensive piece of land in the Saddar area has become a bone of contention between bahria Town and Rawalpindi development Authority (RdA), a news source has reported. The issue came to light when the civic authority started building a metro bus station on the disputed land, which measures 2,069.43 square metres. The news source added that the plot was initially owned by the Revenue Employees Cooperative housing Society (REChS). however, in 2004, bahria Town Founder mr malik Riaz planned to merge bahria Town with REChS, and the land in question was proposed to be a part of bahria Town.
THOROUGHFARES TO BE REBUILT IN LAKKI MARWAT
now bahria Town claims ownership of the multi-billion-rupee plot, and the RdA intends to build the metro bus station on it.
BUILDING COLLAPSE RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT SBCA’S OPERATIONS HydErABAd: A recent building collapse in hyderabad has raised many questions about the working of the Sindh building Control Authority (SbCA), as it was found to be lacking records of buildings located in the old areas of the city. According to the analysis of the rubble conducted at mehran university of Engineering and Technology, substandard material was used in the building. SbCA officials told reporters
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LAKKI MArWAT: The municipal committee of lakki marwat has planned to widen three main roads in lakki City. According to a news source, these roads had been cleared of encroachments over the last three months. An official told reporters that the Rural development department and the local government had requested the authority concerned to approve funds to broaden Eidgah Road, Kargil Chowk Girls College Road, and lorry Adda Saeed Khel Road.
news stories
DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES BEGIN IN SECTORS II AND VI OF DHA CITY KARACHI dhA City Karachi (dCK) has started development activities in Sectors II and VI and stringent timelines are being followed to complete the project at a reasonable pace. developed with the aim of minimising the impact on the environment, dCK boasts being the first planned sustainable city in Pakistan. It also enjoys the prestige of receiving international certification for being the first-ever planned sustainable development of the country on the Envision™ system. here, the efforts of Pakistani
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engineers and planners must be appreciated for introducing this one-of-a-kind development in the country. The directorate Office of dCK that houses offices of dhA Engineers and Additional directorate development, deputy director development, contractors, and consultants is now complete and fully functional. Various senior army officials and the dhA administration visit the locality from time to time to check up on the progress of work.
news stories
PHA TO RAISE FUNDS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF PARKS
Khan added that Phase I spans 2,500 acres, and commercial and residential plots measuring 5 and 10 marlas and 1 and 2 kanals would be available in this phase. The news source stated further that special schemes would be introduced for low-income groups to facilitate multiple sections of society.
TCKP LEASES OUT LAND TO BUILD SKI RESORT, LUXURY HOTELS pESHAWAr: The Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has leased out a swath of land to a firm to develop five- and three-star hotels and a ski resort in malam jabba. rAWALpINdI: The Parks and horticulture Authority (PhA) has planned to raise funds for the development of 12 parks by starting commercial activities there, according to a news source. The PhA has sought quotations from contractors and has started erecting hoardings in the parks, with a plan to put these boards to auction for advertisement. The news source stated further that the PhA has 46 parks under its control, out which 30 parks are developed while the rest are still undeveloped grounds to be turned into parks soon.
LAND EXCAVATION PROHIBITED IN TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF LYARI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY KArACHI: The Sindh home department has prohibited land excavation, removal of mud, sand and natural resources in lyari development Authority (ldA)-controlled areas. According to a news source, the ban on excavation of land was imposed on September 2 under Section 144(6) of the CrPC.
TCKP TAKES OVER PTDC HOTELS CHITrAL: The Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) has reportedly been told to take over control of four Pakistan Tourism development Corporation (PTdC) hotels in Chitral.
According to a news source, the land has been leased out for a period of 33 years, with an option to extend it for another 20 years. The news source reported further that during the first two years of construction, the lessee would be exempt from paying any lease instalments.
DRIVE AGAINST COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES TO RESUME Islamabad: The Capital development Authority (CdA) has decided to resume the drive against commercial activities in residential areas of the Federal Capital, according to a news source. The commercial activities continue to flourish in Sectors F-6 and F-7, due to which the civic authority has decided to take action against illegal use of residential settings after a gap of one month. The news source reported further that the CdA initiated the drive against commercial activities in residential areas before Eid-ul-Fitr and razed and closed many commercial set ups in Sectors F-6 and F-7.
ZAMEEN.COM ORGANISES ‘AGENTS CONNECT’ EVENTS
According to a news source, this move is supported by the 18th Amendment to the constitution. however, when the TKCP officials went to the hotels and asked the PTdC staff to hand over charge, they refused to do so. A PTdC official told reporters that they refused because no such orders were given to them by their managing director.
DHA MULTAN PHASE I TO BE LAUNCHED NEXT YEAR MULTAN: dhA multan Project director brig (r) hammad Khan has told members of the multan Chamber that Phase I of dhA multan would be launched in the first quarter of 2015, according to a news source.
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AmEEn.COm organised ‘Agents Connect’ events across the country to share best practices with real estate agents. These events were held in accordance with Zameen.com’s aim to increase internet awareness in the realty sector of the country. notable property agents from Islamabad, lahore and Karachi attended these events.
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ARAChI, the City of lights, is not exempt from the havoc that the current political unrest has wreaked on businesses, specifically the real estate sector. To get an expert opinion on the property market of Karachi and general happenings within it, Zameen.com interviewed defence4u Chief Executive Officer mr Abdul majeed Zafri, who is a recognised maestro in the real estate field. We would like to thank him for enlightening our readers with information on the various aspects of Karachi’s real estate sector. mr Abdul majeed Zafri started his career in 2001 with his brother and worked with him for two years. he then set up his own real estate office in Gulistan-e-jauhar, which he ran for four years before founding defence4u in Phase VI of dhA Karachi seven years ago. defence4u is now a highly successful and well-reputed real estate agency, a fact that mr Zafri attributes to his honest and hardworking team. he expressed gratitude to the members of defence & Clifton Association of Real Estate Agents (dEFClAREA) for their vital support to real estate brokers in the city, in particular mr Shahid Abdul Aleem, mr younis Rizvi, mr Raja mazhar, mr Sajid Rana, mr Imtiaz Siddiqui, mr nasir jamal, mr Imran Rajput, mr Imran Wasi, mr Wasif Zaidi, and mr Raza hashmi for their help in his real estate journey. he also wished a very happy Eid-ul-Azha to his colleagues in the real estate industry. Zameen.com: please tell us about the current investment scope in Karachi’s real estate market Abdul Majeed Zafri: Karachi real estate is the backbone of Pakistan’s property sector. be it buying, selling or renting, Karachi witnesses activity galore. I personally believe that dhA Karachi and Clifton are the areas that hold the status of the jewels in Karachi’s crown. most of my deals materialise in dhA and Clifton and I remain quite busy because of the immense activity in these areas. Investors come to dhA and Clifton because of the impressive
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returns on investment that these upscale localities offer and through this forum, I would like to invite people to invest more and more in these localities to get the best returns possible.
time, especially in the areas where law and order issues continue. Roughly speaking, low-end areas are more likely to witness further drops in value.
Zameen.com: do you think poor law and order in Karachi affects its real estate sector, and if yes, in what way? AMZ: Poor law and order certainly affects the property market in general. however, if you ask me about dhA and Clifton, problems like political unrest and general law and order issues don’t really make their way into these localities.
There are no such issues in dhA and Clifton because of which these areas are not at all prone to price falls, and will not show downward trends in property prices.
It is true, though, that low-end areas are affected by Karachi’s law and order problems. When the security condition of the city deteriorates, activity and prices of properties decline in these areas. In my view, low-end areas have witnessed a drop of 20% to 25% in prices of properties due to these issues. Zameen.com: you are one of the most prominent dealers in Creek Vista Apartments. In your opinion, what makes this project so attractive? AMZ: Creek Vista is a project of dhA and in my view, it is Pakistan’s number one real estate development. I recommend people to consider Creek Vista because it is a secure community, with no electricity, water, or gas shortage issues. Creek Vista offers 720 apartments of 3- and 4-bedroom capacity and 48 penthouses with swimming pools. It is a one-of-a-kind development, and you will be unable to find comparable amenities in any other development in Pakistan. not just that, but prices of apartments here always show uppish trends, which makes it equally attractive for investors. Zameen.com: Which areas other than Creek Vista do you suggest for investment in Karachi? AMZ: In the current scenario, I would recommend property investors to inject their money into Phase VIII of dhA Karachi. Possession of properties has been delivered in almost 60% of Phase VIII, however, the authority is yet to hand over possession in the remaining areas. Investors can also consider dhA City and Clifton for investment, but I do not recommend anyone to invest anywhere else in Karachi at the moment given the current situation. Zameen.com: Where do you see Karachi’s realty market in the coming years? AMZ: From what I have observed, I am of the view that a drop in property prices will be seen in Karachi’s realty market in the coming
Zameen.com: Have the sit-ins in Islamabad affected Karachi’s real estate market? AMZ: not really. The sit-ins do not affect the property sector of Karachi. There might be some impact of the on-going political demonstrations on low-end areas, but properties in the high-end areas are not vulnerable to such demonstrations. Zameen.com: We have a personal question to ask if you don’t mind answering it. How do you give time to your family with such a busy schedule? AMZ: yes, I’m usually quite busy, but then I always try to maintain a balance between my family and my business. I have a wife and three beautiful children and I love them all, so finding time for them is something I always make sure to do. my wife helped me a lot during tough times, and I believe my mother’s prayers have brought me to this level. So whenever I get some time, I like to take drives with my family and just go out and have fun. At the end of the day, everything I am doing is for my family and their happiness, so they always come first. One day, I wish to InshaAllah take my family for Hajj. Zameen.com: We really appreciate this insight into your personal life. What were your interests before entering the real estate market? AMZ: I was very fond of cricket and I was a good cricketer, too. A professional cricketer, in fact, because I was the first-ever Pakistani player to captain a side in the bangladesh domestic league, in which I played for almost 11 years. I have played with such renowned cricketers as mr Rashid latif, mr moin Khan, mr Ghulam Ali and others. So, you can say that before entering the real estate sector, my dream was to play cricket. Zameen.com: Coming back to real estate, what part do you think Zameen.com is playing in the real estate sector of pakistan? AMZ: Zameen.com has revolutionised the realty sector of Pakistan in my opinion. I get plenty of business through your website, especially from overseas clients. I am really happy with Zameen.com’s services and my best wishes are with this portal. I should say that I get almost 90% of my business through your platform, and I also recommend other real estate agents to sign up with Zameen.com to get better exposure in the market and avail this opportunity to increase their clientele.
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PACE A complete residential and commercial project with a 5-star hotel managed by Hyatt Regency
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he commercial and residential development that has lately been taking place around Allama Iqbal International Airport in lahore has given us plenty of real estate gems. What was just a decade ago mostly a collection of barren stretches of land has been transformed into suburbia in the intervening years. One of the most exciting projects in that area is the mixed-use development called Pace Circle. A project of Pace Pakistan, this unique commercial and residential development offers 1.6 million square feet of prime real estate overflowing with amazing options and features of a truly international standard. The most immediately noticeable feature of this development is the 5-star hotel managed by hyatt Regency, which is set to bring one of the greatest international hotel chains to lahore for the first time. This, coupled with luxury residential and serviced apartments and a whole host of high-end retail goodness, has us well and truly excited. So let’s take a closer look at Pace Circle.
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LoCATIoN
opTIoNS
Pace Circle is located on main Amjad Chaudhry Road, a stone’s throw from Allama Iqbal International Airport and practically next door to Abdullah Gul Interchange. It enjoys exceptionally good accessibility with Amjad Chaudhry Road, lahore Ring Road, Zarrar Shaheed Road and burki Road linking it to virtually every part of lahore.
rESIdENTIAL
This makes it an ideal location for retail and business, as well as for personal residence, especially because the 4-sided free run entrances and exits allow quick and easy access to all surrounding developments and major roads. In this excellent location, residents of Pace Circle will enjoy the wide open spaces and roads of the airport area, along with the serenity and peace that comes with being removed from the noisy, bustling centre of lahore. meanwhile, businesses can rest assured that they are connected to consumers and clients in every corner of the city.
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As we said earlier, Pace Circle comes with a lot of great options. It oers potential residents 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments as well as serviced apartments for guests, which are the first of their kind in Pakistan. All apartments have been designed by expert architects with extensive experience in contemporary apartment design, particularly in the uAE and Singapore. This means that all these residential units enjoy perfect use of space with the best possible natural light and cross ventilation. The apartments also feature imported designer kitchen fixtures, installed split air conditioning units, gorgeous ceramic and wooden floors, separate powder rooms for guests, and domestic help accommodation (in 2- and 3-bedroom apartments). All bedrooms come with en suite bathrooms, and residents have the option of choosing apartments with exclusive pool-side views.
CoMMErCIAL The Pace Circle Shopping mall is spread over 5 floors of this
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AMENITIES The Pace Circle Apartments are being built with luxury in mind. This means that the amenities on offer are all state-of-the-art and high-end. Residents will enjoy: n Centrally air-conditioned lobbies and corridors n Round-the-clock security with CCTVs on each floor n dedicated parking space n back-up power generators n 3 designated high-speed elevators n Elegant, landscaped drop-off n double height lobby and reception area
HyATT rEgENCy Pace Circle will feature a 5-star hotel managed by hyatt Regency, a world-renowned name in the hospitality industry. This hotel will feature 343 bays, and a pool deck, landscaped area and associated F&b facilities will compliment the design philosophy of the project. This hotel promises to be without equal in lahore, and its majestic, luxurious aura is sure to draw the most discerning guests. Its exquisitely designed 40 square metre rooms feature gorgeous aesthetics, teak floors, large mirrors and floor-to-ceiling windows. Plush king-size beds, work desks, high-speed Internet access, and marble bathrooms with bathtubs and step-down rain showers make every room a beautiful dream. The hotel will also feature five unique restaurants with authentic cuisine, as well as a host of facilities for weddings, functions and business conferences.
ABoUT pACE pAKISTAN LIMITEd
development. It is set to bring together the best international and local brands in one of the trendiest shopping malls in the country for a highly sophisticated and enjoyable shopping experience. The lower Ground Floor of the mall will host a 23,000 square foot supermarket chain, while the Ground and First Floors will comprise branded stores ranging from designer outlets to accessories and high-end lifestyle products. The Second Floor will offer the thematic Pace bazaar, a market showcasing traditional and ethnic products from all over Pakistan. The Pool deck Floor will offer the entertainment section and the Food Court, which will offer a variety of fast food restaurants, coffee shops and snack bars from the best eateries in the country. The mall comes with 3 basements dedicated to car parking and direct access to the mall through 4 escalators. This mall will also be host to Pakistan’s first 100-foot inclinator, which will make getting to the mall from the basement an absolute breeze. For retail businesses, this is as good as it gets, so it would be highly advisable for them to book their place immediately and have their choice of shops for very reasonable prices.
It was in 1992 that Pace Pakistan ltd brought the people of Pakistan the country’s first real shopping mall, and it changed the retail landscape forever. Today, this very first enterprise has become an iconic landmark in lahore. Since its inception, Pace Pakistan limited has believed in thinking out of the box while maintaining professionalism and ethical practices, raising standards for other developers. This, combined with the aggressive pace set by the management team, has resulted in unprecedented growth and the company has successfully launched six new projects in the last two years, with more underway.
propErTy TypE
prICE rANgE
Apartments
Starting from PKR 14,000,000
Shops
Starting from PKR 6,000,000
CALL NoW +92-300-2032331 +92-321-3336060 +92-300-4000429 +92-42-36632990 +92-42-36632991 zameen.com
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featured property
The icon of Pakistan’s future economic hub
W
E all remember how Karachi once presented itself as a perfect coastal city that could transform the face of Pakistan, and how that dream came close to reality as it became Pakistan’s economic hub. The coastal city of Gwadar, balochistan is now what Karachi was back then, and it is currently the focal point of major infrastructure development in the country. let us say – and this must not be seen as a wild and far-fetched dream – that Gwadar is currently exploiting all of its potential to compete with similar coastal cities of the world, which of course includes dubai. The naturally carved deep sea port of Gwadar is one of the many
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precious resources Pakistan has been bestowed with. Private and public projects that are set to make Pakistan proud are under construction in Gwadar and burj Al Gwadar, a project by Galaxy builders, is one of them. burj Al Gwadar will offer some very rare facilities that have not been presented by any other project in Pakistan before. The project is being developed along the same lines as various well-known ones in the world in general, and the middle East in particular.
LoCATIoN & FEATUrES burj Al Gwadar, a large-scale mixed-used project, occupies the central spot along the 264-foot wide Airport Road. It is one of the most prominent developments between the two most important areas of the city, i.e. Gwadar International Airport and the deep sea port, while the Gwadar Expo Centre, Stock Exchange, Gwadar Port Authority Civic
featured property Centre and supermarket are all at walking distance. just like burj Al Arab in dubai, burj Al Gwadar is being developed as the symbol of this important city of Pakistan. The project received its noobjection certificate from Gwadar development Authority in February 2007.
n n n n n
high-speed internet latest public address system Closed-circuit security cameras Standby generators Fire alarms and firefighting equipment
HoSpITALITy This project has a footprint of 1,600 square feet and flaunts a beautiful design and excellent finish. Its cylindrical earthquake-proof structure is designed to make it stand out in the city’s developing skyline, and to also make sure that businesses, residents and guests have a safe and memorable experience. burj Al Gwadar promises to be a beacon of excellence for all.
opTIoNS & AMENITIES Its perfect location and design are meant to meet the needs of business corporations, travel agencies, insurance companies, forwarding agencies, importers/exporters, leasing companies, banks and restaurants. The development is also ideally suited for retailers of products such as fashion jewellery, mobile phones, leather products, medicines, clothes, electronics, handicrafts and handbags. burj Al Gwadar is not just a cherished addition to the city’s corporate sector but it also features serviced apartments along with a shopping mall. many of these facilities offered exclusively by burj Al Gwadar will elevate the design and construction standards of the upcoming large mixed-use projects in the country. These amenities include: n modern elevators n World class construction n Granite and marble floors n Complete security system n Spacious and covered car parking n Round-the-clock maintenance
Since business activity in any city brings visitors, Gwadar is also set to become a popular and muchvisited place by both travellers and business groups, which means that the hospitality sector here needs to be in accordance with international standards. burj Al Gwadar has taken care of that as well. Superior quality serviced apartments that offer the calm and soothing vistas of the Arabian Sea will change the way you look at Pakistan forever. Staying or living in these well-ventilated rooms that have panoramic windows will help you understand the true magic of Gwadar.
poTENTIAL burj Al Gwadar has addressed the modern needs of a cosmopolitan city in the making. by being able to deliver the project just in time, when the city is receiving massive international attention because of large-scale development and billions of dollars of investment from China and neighbouring countries, burj Al Gwadar lends further credence to the promise of Gwadar as a modern, well-developed, and economically important coastal city in Pakistan. by investing in this project, you too can become one of the beneficiaries of Gwadar’s changing face. Right now, no project other than burj Al Gwadar can protect and nourish you investment the way your hard-earned money deserves. Go for it.
location map
CALL NoW +92-300-2032331 +92-322-4126484
zameen project listing Zameen Id: zameen.com/np/195 City: Gwadar Construction Status: under Construction
Visit www.zameen.com for more information
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featured property
KING’S COTTAGES Just the utopia Karachi needed
A
RE you looking for an ideal opportunity to give you and your family an excellent lifestyle in the City of lights? If your pursuit of happiness leads to that desire, King’s Cottages is your ultimate destination. being one of the masterpieces of Kings Group, King’s Cottages is a project that flaunts innovation with urban elegance and suburban serenity, thus giving you an excellent chance of investing in a residential project that ensures quality living at the most affordable prices. This residential project allows you fast and easy access from any corner of the city. Conveniently located at main university Road, Gulistan-e-jauhar block 7, Karachi, the project promises amenities that makes it a first-choice living option for all Karachi-ites. The location of the project is ideal because jinnah International Airport, Karachi university, liaqat medical and dental College,
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ACACIA Gold Club, Aq Khan Centre and malir Cantt all lie within 1 to 3 kilometres. life at King’s Cottages offers one of the rarest residential facilities in Karachi: a noise-free and calm environment that gives you unmatched peace of mind. What’s more, the houses are adequately priced, making the residential units affordable for all. So what makes King’s Cottages one of the best bargains on the market? let’s start with the fact that this residential project is a complete gated community, two words that spell security to most of the residents of Karachi. The project features 275 superbly designed 5room apartments that are being developed utilising the most modern urban planning concepts. King’s Cottages are perfect for your children since the
featured property
development is located close to several renowned educational institutions of the city. liaqat medical and dental College, Government College Gulshane-Iqbal and urdu university all lie within a few minutes’ drive. Apart from the aura of security that pervades this gated community with CCTV surveillance and trained security guards, King’s Cottages comes complete with amenities like a gymnasium, jogging and walking tracks, landscaping, a lush green park, mosque, indoor games and community centre and one of the rarest facilities in Karachi: a spacious parking area! The apartments at King’s Cottages are really a class apart. Since the apartment blocks are surrounded by other beautiful homes of the neighbourhood, the question of providing your children a good neighbourhood is easily answered. The community is adorned with beautifully manicured greenbelts that make the private balconies of these apartments the perfect place to have a cup of tea after a hectic day at work. What could make this community more
attractive to you is the fact that it is purely residential, so you won’t be worrying about random strangers moving in and out. Since the development of the project started in 2012, one can see the grey structures already up on the construction site. The speedy development of the cottages and the promise of timely delivery by 2015 is what makes the price tag so much more attractive. The developer offers two convenient payment plans, one featuring 24 monthly instalments and the other with four half-yearly instalments. Thanks to these instalment plans, which are quite awesome by the way, the apartments are within reach of the working class as well. This residential project has absolutely everything one could possible expect from a perfect gated community. We suggest you pick up the phone and dial the number below so that you can make sure you and your family can have that ideal apartment you have always dreamt of.
location map
CALL NoW +92-300-3594619 +92-321-9288880 +92-21-34184029 +92-21-34184030
zameen project listing Zameen Id: zameen.com/np/194 City: Karachi Construction Status: under Construction
Visit www.zameen.com for more information
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special Feature
The Zameen App, available on both Apple and Android platforms, connects you with the largest database of active properties in Pakistan, allowing you to find exactly what you need – whether it’s for sale or for rent – on the go. The app ensures that you land on the perfect property by giving you the option of refining your search by location, type of property, area, and price range. And when we say ‘type of property’, we mean that you can enter the exact specifications or configuration of the property you’re
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looking for and the app will pretty much lead you right to it. This beautifully designed app also allows you to save your searches and mark properties as favourites for easy access later. So download the Zameen App today and start carrying around the future of real estate in your pocket, because it simply doesn’t get any better!
special Feature
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Market report
I
T is beyond question or argument that defence housing Authority (dhA) is the most popular real estate enterprise in Pakistan at the moment. Whether it is lahore, Karachi or even Islamabad, where dhA is in its infancy by comparison, it consistently heads search trends. This is very understandable, seeing as dhA is widely trusted as an organisation and offers facilities, amenities and communities that are practically second to none. Aside from constantly working to expand its scope in the three major cities of Pakistan with new phases and spin-off projects, dhA is now also set to move into new
oVErVIEW While dhA is well-established in lahore and Karachi, where it is the most sought-after address with few serious competitors, it has its work cut out in Islamabad. In the Federal Capital, dhA faces stiff competition from popular Capital development Authority (CdA) sectors such as Sector F-11, Sector F-10, Sector E-11 and the like, as well as rival developer bahria Town. Although dhA Islamabad currently comprises Phase I, Phase
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cities such as multan and Gujranwala, which are fertile soils for the seeds of real estate goodness to be sown. These moves have been welcomed by residents and real estate professionals of both cities. So this month, we will analyse dhA in more detail, taking a look at which of its phases in lahore, Karachi and Islamabad are currently the most popular among property hunters. This information is extremely useful for our readers looking to invest in dhA, because they stand to profit from smartly investing in phases that are in high demand and therefore more likely to increase in value over time.
II, Phase II Extension, Phase IV and dhA Valley – some of which are complete while others are under development – it is still in nascent stages by comparison to dhA lahore and dhA Karachi. The former boasts 11 phases in all, while the latter has 8 phases and other developments such as dhA City in the works. nevertheless, interest in dhA Islamabad is high and it should not be long before it makes a decent place for itself in the capital’s real estate market as well.
Prices in dhA lahore’s more established phases have increased so much over the last few years that their market has effectively been limited to a small pool of buyers and investors who are able to afford them. The newer phases, generally speaking Phase V and beyond, are more within reach of average buyers, which has led them to become highly popular choices among those looking for property in dhA.
Market report
MOST POPULAR PHASES FOR PLOTSIN DHA LAHORE dHA phase VII leads all others with 19.34% of the total searches for plots in dhA
dHA phase VIII lost out on first place by a mere 0.20%, coming in 2nd with 19.14%
dHA phase VI was hot on the top 2’s heels with 18.15% of the total searches
dHA phase V came in 4th with 7.89% of the total searches for plots in dhA lahore
dHA 9 Town which is also known as Shuhada Town, came in 5th with 7.27%
The state of affairs in lahore’s property market in general are presenting a familiar picture. Owing to the unrest in the country since the start of anti-government sit-ins in Islamabad, the entire real estate sector has struggled with activity that is significantly less than usual for this time of year, and lahore is no exception. This lack of activity has had an effect on prices since the beginning, and this phenomenon is continuing, according to Zameen.com’s stats for August 2014. In a month-onmonth analysis, the average price for 1-kanal plots in dhA lahore gained only a minute 1.09% since july, while the same-sized plots in bahria Town lahore came down 1.90%. One-kanal plots in ldA Avenue I also struggled, losing 1.85% of their average value, and the high-flying lahore Cantt gained only a sobering 0.26%.
MOST POPULAR PHASES FOR HOMESIN DHA LAHORE dHA phase V was the most popular one for homes in dhA lahore with 11.14% of the total searches
defence raya beat out other dhA phases to claim 2nd place with 9.08% of searches
dHA phase VI also received some interest, with 4.58% of searches going its way
dHA phase III & dHA phase I were tied for 4th place with 3.84% of searches apiece
dHA phase VIII rounded up the list with 3.45% of the searches for 5th place
oN THE HoUSINg FroNT, not much has changed either. lahore Cantt still comes top of the table with an average sale price of Rs 36,292,010 for a 1-kanal home, while dhA lahore is in second place with an average sale price of Rs 34,450,808 for 1-kanal homes. johar Town still maintains the highest rental yield among popular localities in lahore with 5.02%.
AVERAGE PRICES OF 1-KANAL HOUSES IN LAHORE IN 2014 LOCALITIES Cantt DHA Lahore Johar Town Bahria Town
AVG SALE PRICES 36,292,010 34,450,808 28,178,791 26,789,495
AVG MONTHLY RENT 124,483 122,949 117,598 87,750
RENTAL YIELD 4.17% 4.28% 5.02% 3.94%
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Market report
MOST POPULAR PHASES FOR PLOTSIN DHA KARACHI dHA phase VIII pulled a whopping 47.01%, nearly half of all searches, to claim 1st place
dHA phase VII came in second with 8.59% of the total searches for plots in dhA Karachi
dHA phase VI claimed 3rd place with a modest 3.27% of the total searches
dHA phase V did not receive much interest, with only 1.95% of searches going its way
dHA phase II rounded up the list with 1.34% of the total searches for 5th place
MOST POPULAR PHASES FOR HOMESIN DHA KARACHI dHA phase VI was the most popular for homes in dhA Karachi with 14.37% of the total searches
dHA phase V
KArACHI The qualities that make dhA such a sought-after address everywhere else become positively essential when it comes to Karachi. This amazing city has sadly been subjected to violence and plagued by security issues for years now, and dhA offers the perfect haven where residents feel safe and cared for. Its ideal location close to the sea is also a huge positive factor, and several high-end projects in and around it, such as dhA’s own Creek Vista luxury apartments, Emaar Pakistan’s Crescent bay, and The Arkadians by the AKd Group make it that much more desirable.
claimed 8.53% of all searches for homes in dhA Karachi for 2nd place
dHA phase VIII came in at number 3 with 4.70% of searches for homes in dhA Karachi
dHA phase II was the number 4 choice, with 3.73% of searches going its way
dHA phase VII was in last place with 3.30% of searches for homes in dhA Karachi
Karachi’s real estate market also felt the heat from cautious investors. While genuine buyers in established societies kept the market from coming to a complete standstill, under-development projects that depend heavily on investors suffered declines in prices. As a result, 1-kanal plots in dhA Karachi and Gulistan-e-jauhar gained 2.10% and 2.72% respectively in value month-on-month, but prices in dhA City Karachi came down 9.40% in the same time span. however, this trend is unlikely to continue in the long term and prices in places like dhA City Karachi should stabilise once the political deadlock is resolved. Prices in Gulshan-e-Iqbal remained steady, losing only a minute 0.23% in value month-on-month.
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Market report
MOST POPULAR PHASES FOR PLOTS IN DHA ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAd
dHA phase II is currently the most popular phase for plots with 48.09% of the total searches
dHA Valley comes in at number 2 with 27.21% of the total searches for plots
dHA phase I claimed 12.58% of the total searches to come in at number 3
As stated earlier, dhA Islamabad still has some battles to win before it can become the premier residential project in the capital. nevertheless, its beautifully picturesque location, excellent amenities and the power of the dhA brand are all slowly coming together to lift it up to the big leagues of Islamabad’s real estate. In our search trend numbers below, only dhA Phases I and II and dhA Valley are featured because the rest are still under development.
MOST POPULAR PHASES FOR HOMESIN DHA ISLAMABAD dHA phase II is also the hottest phase for homes with 42.55% of the total searches
dHA Valley received decent interest as well, with 13.65% of searches for 2nd place It was in the property market of the Federal Capital that the current hostile political climate had the most effect. This is understandable, seeing as Islamabad is where the actual anti-government sit-ins are taking place and where sporadic clashes between protesters and police have paralysed businesses. however, the silver lining to this cloud has been the fact that barring bahria Town Islamabad – where 1-kanal plots lost 11.51% of their value month-on-month – most popular localities in the capital have suffered very small declines in prices. One-kanal plots in the highly popular and equally expensive Sector F11 lost 0.31% of their value over the same time period, while dhA Islamabad and Sector E-11 lost 1.86% and 0.64% respectively.
ISLAMABAd’S HoUSINg MArKET fared better, with home prices in the city’s top localities exhibiting great stability. On average, a 1-kanal home in Sector F-11 went for Rs 63,621,315 and had an average monthly rent of Rs 188,542. Sectors E-11 and G-11, both popular locations for homes, also maintained their price trends month-on-month.
dHA phase I claimed only 3.06% of the total searches for homes in dhA Islamabad
FINAL ANALySIS until the situation in Islamabad takes a turn for the better, it is unlikely that market activity will resume with full fervour. however, the numbers are not painting as bleak a picture as expected.
AVERAGE PRICES OF 1-KANAL HOUSES IN ISLAMABAD IN 2014
“With the exception of Islamabad, where the situation isn’t too bad either in my opinion, the general numbers from across Pakistan are bracing rather than frightening,” said mr Zeeshan Ali Khan, the CEO and Co-Founder of Zameen.com.
LOCALITIES F-11 E-11 G-11
“We keep a very close eye on the market at all times, and we’ve just as closely monitored the situation during this political
AVG SALE PRICES 63,621,315 60,733,399 55,368,125
AVG MONTHLY RENT 188,542 188,319 173,208
RENTAL YIELD 3.56% 3.72% 3.77%
instability. my analysis is that things could have been far worse, and we should be grateful that they are not,” he added. Commenting on the search trends in dhA across lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, mr Khan said dhA’s popularity has given other developments impetus to up their game. “We look at the search volumes directed towards dhA across the board and it is obvious that they’re the one to beat. This is extremely positive because competition is always a healthy way to bring up general standards in any field,” he added.
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feature story
CERAMIC &MOSAIC TILES Pakistani art at its best SAMEER AFZAL
P
AKISTAnI art needs no fancy introduction. It is unique in its own way, strikingly dierent, and in a genre of its own. The rich Pakistani art can clearly be seen in many spheres of daily life in the country, from flamboyantly embellished trucks to gorgeous floor tiles, and from lawn prints to film/theatre posters. Everything about these forms of art shouts out loud about being well and truly Pakistani. The beauty of Pakistani art is also visible in local architecture, both historic and modern. In fact, modern architecture harkens to traditional styles with handmade items such as tiles, murals, carved wood panels and metal work. These handmade pieces of art add beauty and charm to the otherwise simple construction trends seen in modern architecture. A splendid contrast of spacious, clear and monotone interiors with the colourful splashes of our internationally famous handicrafts can add life to any home, and this is the strength of Pakistani art. In terms of home dÊcor done with these artistic marvels, we have many options, including handmade carpets and rugs, pottery, decorative items of carved
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feature story
wood, ceramic crockery, ceramic tiles and murals, etc. Various cities of Pakistan are known for their handicrafts. For instance, multan is famous for Kashikani, Peshawar for carpets and rugs, Gujrat for pottery, Chiniot for woodwork, and Tharparkar for camel-skin lampshades. These cities are not just popular within the country but also export their products worldwide. When it comes to modern homes designed and built in line with the artistic tastes of the homeowner, handmade and hand-painted tiles have emerged as indispensable items for floors and bathrooms. These tiles have also found their much-deserved place in other rooms of the house including bedrooms, living rooms and formal drawing rooms, as well as in home façades. The production of these bathroom, floor, kitchen and façade tiles have become a big industry in Pakistan and as compared to their imported counterparts, these tiles made in Pakistan enjoy higher demand. Pakistani ceramic tiles and ceramic mosaic tiles are stunning examples of fine porcelain craft. Ceramic tiles are decorative, and although they were previously used for flooring, wholly or in part, they now also adorn walls as skirting as well as elaborate wall art. modern houses are an amalgam of modern and traditional art where ceramic and mosaic tiles can be seen rubbing shoulders with modern floors, the overall look of which is simply
gorgeous. Various outdoor and indoor areas that are wide open to various types of decoration are just not complete without these mosaic and ceramic tiles accentuating their look and feel. Ceramic tiles and mosaic tiles form a seamless combination. This combination can create a number of patterns and its blend of vibrant and earthly tones can really lift the ambience of a room to new levels. It is generally recommended that you paint the surrounding wall(s) in neutral colours and a matte finish, because the rich colour palate of these handmade tiles will pop more on such a background. These tiles are hard to use individually because they are generally sold in running feet. There may be three or more tiles per running foot depending on the size of each tile. On average, both ceramic tiles and mosaic tiles can be found in three sizes: 6×6 inches, 3×5 inches and 3×6 inches. The estimated price of a running foot ranges between Rs 250 to Rs 450, and larger pieces (around 16x16 inches) can cost as much as Rs 2,200. The prices may also vary depending on the colours used in them, their designs, as well as their texture. Although these mosaic and ceramic tiles are best suited for floors, their patterns tell a story of their own, which can elevate the value of your home and lift its aesthetic outlook no matter where you decide to use them. For many of us, it might not be important to use these tiles with the intention of promoting Pakistani art but the fact remains that having a beautiful and modern home, one that can convince beholders of your fine taste in home décor, you cannot overlook these precious pieces of art. Sameer Afzal is a Content Developer at Zameen Media (Pvt) Ltd
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feature story
WHAT IT TAKES TO BUILD A
ZAIN NADEEM
P
EOPlE want their bathrooms to be bold, beautiful and comfortable these days, because this is not the era of shabby-looking bathrooms in dilapidated state. modern bathrooms are standout features within any home, and developers and architects increasingly allocate more space to bathrooms and use only the finest quality fittings such as steam showers, bathtubs, and stainless steel faucets. This contemporary style of construction demands that designers’ involvement be absolutely imperative in every
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corner of the home, and with their involvement the bathrooms designed today are very different from those built even only a few years ago. And drawing a line between the types of bathrooms is getting easier as there are many different styles, each with its own distinct look.
THE LooK Though it is easy to split the styles into the two main – and broad – categories of contemporary and traditional, there are tons of other styles that offer a fine blend of modern functionality and classical appearance. For instance, a more retro look that oozes a rustic charm is something that is highly popular these days.
feature story All modern bathrooms feature the necessary modern fixtures as a rule. It is the design aesthetics and usage of space that makes the difference between a good modern bathroom and an ordinary one. To achieve that perfect look, you can carefully play with contrasts in the colours and materials you plan to use. What your floor is going to look like, how it is going to contrast with the sink and vanity counter as well as the rest of the fittings, and what sort of tiles you will use for the walls will together determine the final look of your bathroom.
CoUNTErTopS For vanity countertops, granite is currently a great and highly recommended option. you can also get a great look by using synthetic countertops of unusual shapes. Glass countertops and washbasins are even better.
FLoorS marble and tile flooring is usually preferred in bathrooms for the obvious reason that they do not allow water to seep into the floor below them, but they are both fairly ubiquitous and no longer bring anything special to the bathroom. What is a great idea is to use wood or carpets in the areas that have no direct contact with water (splash zones). If you still prefer to use tiles, be mindful that the time of shiny, glazed ones is long past. using tiles with rougher surfaces for flooring minimises the chances of slipping, not to mention the fact that they look extremely good. Millat Tiles oers a great range and we recommend that you visit their showroom if you are redoing your bathroom.
WALLS The walls of the bathroom are a different story. To get an open, vibrant and fresh look, you need to be really careful about the colour combination you are planning to employ, because the wrong choice of colour on the walls can quickly make even the most spacious bathrooms seem cramped and uncomfortable.
FIxTUrES bathtubs and hot tubs are awesome on their own, but it is much better to include both a shower and a bathtub in the same bathroom but in separate areas. not only is it a much better look for your bathroom, it is added functionality. your choice of washbasins, commodes, showerheads, faucets and other fixture determine the usage of your bathroom and define its ambience. In the last few years, the designs of bathroom fixtures have become very varied and now you have plenty of options to pick from. you may find these fixtures in different finishes and a rainbow of colours, with classic, contemporary and mixed styles. here as well, we recommend millat Tiles and their beautiful range of fixtures.
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In short, the bathroom space is no longer something you or your contractor can throw together willy-nilly if you want to have a house that screams quality and good taste. modern bathrooms demand designer input and decent fixtures and materials, and while the price may go up as a result, having a great-looking bathroom is an investment you will look back on with satisfaction. Zain Nadeem is a Senior Content Developer at Zameen Media (Pvt) Ltd
feature story
SO YOU’VE GOT A
AHSEN GHUFRAN KHAN f you had the awesome foresight and ample means to put a basement into your dream home, and you are currently occupying said dream home, there are a multitude ideas you could explore as to what you should do with it. I may not be able to enjoy the fruits of these ideas with you, but I am still magnanimous enough to help you make the most of all that wonderful space under your home. my awesomeness aside, having a basement in your house is a great thing. There are virtually tons of things you could do with a basement that would make your life easier, more
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fun and simply cooler than your neighbours’, who think having sprinklers is all the rage. Thanks to advancements in construction and architecture, flood-proof basements are now an option, so even houses in Pakistani cities prone to flash floods can have basements. let’s first talk about what makes basements such useful additions to any home.
The most obvious benefit of having a basement in your home is the extra space. A basement is practically another floor, and you are free to go about turning it into whatever you please. more on that later.
feature story In Pakistan, most people live in a joint family environment. In this case, when the boys of the house eventually get married, more space is required for their new families. basements can come in very handy in this sort of situation where ordinarily the new family would have to move out to a new place. Then there are housing societies that do not allow homes to have more than two storeys. building a basement into your home is a great way to have the extra space without violating such rules.
game cabinet – the list is endless.
For music aficionados, a basement is heaven-sent, particularly because it is easy to soundproof and offers great acoustics. A makeshift music studio, or even just a jamming area, would be a great thing to have under your home. just bring in a drum kit, a couple of amps and leads, and you’ve got yourself a place where you and your friends can come and plug in for hours of undisturbed musical pleasure.
Another great benefit of having a basement lies in the fact that it is subterranean, which means that it will stay cool during the scorching heat of the brutal Pakistani summer and nice and warm during the relatively mild winter.
A basement can be partial as well as a full floor, and if resources allow, the best thing to do is to build a basement that constitutes a complete floor under your house. This would allow you to rent it out as a portion if need be, whereas a partial basement would be far less likely to have any seekers.
OK, let’s get to the good stuff now that we have established just how great basements are. here is a list of what you can potentially turn them into.
basements are also excellent for storage. With a basement, you don’t have to waste a good room elsewhere for storage. you also get great Feng Shui in the bargain because all the clutter is conveniently out of sight.
This idea limits the amount of fun you can have with the basement, but it is nevertheless a worthy idea. Converting a basement into a guest area does not take a lot of work. All you need to do is deck out the bedrooms with decent, useable furniture, throw some fresh sheets in the wardrobe and fresh towels in the bathrooms, and hey presto! you’ve got yourself a guest area ready for announced or unannounced visitors who would like to stay the night.
now this one is much more fun. you can pick one theme for your game room, or even make it a combination of many great things. A pool table, foosball table, retro arcade games, a console area with lCd TV, a board
bulky exercise equipment doesn’t really belong in your home, unless you can afford to build a space particularly for it. If you don’t have said space, a basement is a great place to create your own little gym. The space is there, all you need to do is get the equipment down there and you will be toned and buff within months. So, friends, a well-designed basement can be a blessing in many, many ways. These ideas are just a few, and the limit is your imagination. you have the space, use it well! Ahsen Ghufran Khan is a Senior Content Developer at Zameen Media (Pvt) Ltd
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