Blue World City Islamabad has come under fire recently after it emerged that the city does not possess an Operational Control Certificate (OCC). OCCs are a mandatory document for any city looking to setup business in Pakistan. The move has raised concern among many people, including human rights activists, who say that the city lacks proper health and safety measures and could put the lives of its residents at risk. In this blog post, we will explore what an OCC is and why it’s important for cities like Islamabad. We will also look at how the city came to lack one and what steps can be taken to rectify the situation.
What is an NOC?
An NOC is a No Objection Certificate. It is issued by the relevant government authority to authorize the establishment or continuation of an activity in its territory which, if not authorized, would be considered as an acted against the interest of the nation. In Pakistan, an NOC is required from all foreign investors wishing to invest in any commercial or industrial sectors in the country.
The process of obtaining an NOC can sometimes be lengthy and complex, depending on the specific business or investment being undertaken. Generally speaking, there are a few steps that must be followed in order to obtain an NOC:
1) The applicant must first submit a proposal detailing their proposed investment and outlining how it will benefit Pakistan Ethical Society.
2) Once approved by PES, the applicant will then need to apply for an Environmental Clearance from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). This clearance is required in order to conduct any environmental studies that may be necessary for the project.
3) After receiving both approvals, the applicant will then need to apply for a Business License from the Lahore registry office. This license is necessary in order to commence operations within Pakistan.
4) Finally, after all paperwork has been completed and deadlines have been met, an NOC can be issued by the relevant government authority.
Background
There has been much speculation in recent days over the legitimacy of Blue World City Islamabad, with some questioning whether a no-objection certificate (NOC) has actually been granted by the authorities.
The Karachi-based development firm behind the proposed project – which envisages creating a sprawling 1 million square foot city on an area of around 150 acres – claims to have obtained all requisite approvals from relevant government departments. However, several media reports suggest that the company has yet to submit all required paperwork to authorities.
Whether or not Blue World City Islamabad is officially sanctioned by the Pakistani government remains unclear, but if it is not, it may run into legal difficulties in setting up shop in Pakistan. Under Pakistani law, any development project that involves acquisition of land without prior approval from the federal or provincial governments is illegal and liable to be shut down by authorities.
How Blue World City Islamabad got NOC
Blue World City Islamabad is a mega project under construction in the city of Islamabad, Pakistan. The global development company, The Blue World Group, announced that it had received the required NOC (no objection certificate) from the Pakistani government to commence construction on May 2nd, 2017. The project has an estimated cost of $1.5 billion and will be composed of a five-star hotel, casino, mall, and convention center. Upon completion, the complex will be home to over 10,000 employees and offer luxury accommodations for tourists and business travelers alike.
The Blue World Group was formed in 2006 by entrepreneur Khalid Mahmood Karim with the goal of creating world-class developments around the globe. The group’s first venture was the construction of the Bahria Town megacity in Karachi, which has since been recognized as one of Pakistan’s most successful urban regeneration projects. Blue World City Islamabad is their latest project and will be their most ambitious yet.
The NOC process for this project was highly scrutinized by both domestic and international media outlets due to its significant financial and political implications. The Pakistani government was ultimately persuaded to approve the project after meeting stringent requirements set by The Blue World Group including a commitment to create thousands of jobs for local residents, a minimum investment amount of $500 million, and a commitment to adhere to all safety and environmental regulations.
Despite these assurances, some environmental groups remain skeptical about the viability of Blue World City Islamabad due to its controversial location adjacent
What Does This Mean for the Future of the City?
The Federal Government has given final approval to Blue World City Islamabad as the new National Capital Territory (NCT) and the city will soon emerge as a high-tech hub in the region. The NCT was initially announced in December 2017 and consists of three districts – Chandpur, Wah Cantt and G-12 – which together encompass an area of 1,307 sq km.
The move comes as good news for the city, as it has been suffering from several developmental setbacks in recent years. However, with a rapidly growing population and an increasing demand for infrastructure and services, the city will need to keep up its pace if it wants to meet expectations.
One of the key challenges facing Blue World City Islamabad is its lack of an official NOC. This means that the city does not have any specific rights or privileges granted to it by the government, which could make it difficult to attract investment and foster innovation. In order to overcome this obstacle, the authorities are focused on developing policies and regulations that match those of a traditional capital city.
Overall, the NCT announcement is an encouraging sign for Islamabad’s future development – especially considering the many challenges that remain.
What is Blue World City Islamabad?
Blue World City Islamabad is one of the most innovative and futuristic city projects in Pakistan. The project is being developed by Blue City Group, a private company based in Dubai. The development has already started in Phase I which includes residential areas, business districts, recreational areas and a hospital.
The Karachi-based company had applied for the National Operating Certificate (NOC) from the Government of Pakistan but so far there has been no response from the authorities concerned. Development of the city has already started and it will soon become a hub for businesses and entrepreneurs.
The project will have an area of around 9 sq km and it will be built on a man-made island located in the middle of Islamabad’s New Islamabad district. The cost of the project is estimated to be around $2 billion. There are plans to build 45,000 homes, 30 million sq ft of office space, 600 hotels and 200 schools within the city limits.
NOC Requirements for Foreign Investment in Pakistan
Foreign investors are required to obtain a National Ordinance Committee (NOC) approval in order to commence any commercial or industrial activity in Pakistan. In order to be eligible for an NOC, the company must fall into one of the following five categories: Investment in Infrastructure Development; Export Processing Zone; Multilateral Financial Institutions; Export Customs Invoicing and Document Processing Zone; or Special Economic Zones. The application process for an NOC can be lengthy and complex, and is typically only granted to high-profile foreign investors.
To be eligible for an NOC, the company must meet a number of specific requirements, including having a valid business license from the relevant government body, demonstrating financial viability and having a strong management team. Additionally, companies must comply with a number of environmental and safety regulations, which can be very onerous to meet.
Despite these requirements, there has been increasing interest from foreign investors in Pakistani markets over the past few years. This is likely due to Pakistan’s growing economic stability and overall attractiveness as a investment destination, notwithstanding its some cumbersome regulatory procedures. However, prospective foreign investors should remain aware of the risks involved in doing business in Pakistan, particularly with regards to terrorism and corruption.
The Result of the Investigation
Investigations are still underway to ascertain how the Punjab government lost its NOC to build the futuristic Blue World City in Islamabad, but preliminary findings show that the application was not accompanied by all requisite documents.
The original plan for Blue World City envisaged an investment of $5 billion, but so far only $100 million has been pledged. The project faces many hurdles, including environmental concerns and land disputes.
According to reports, the NOC application was submitted without approval from the Federal Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD), which is mandatory as per the Islamabad Capital Territory Act 2009. The MoPD is responsible for approving all development projects in Islamabad.
Failure to obtain a valid NOC could have significant consequences for the Pakistan government and its ambitious plans for Blue World City. The city would not have been possible without approval from the federal government and violation of this law could eventually lead to legal action against those responsible.
What is Blue World City Islamabad?
Blue World City Islamabad is a development project being developed in Islamabad, Pakistan. The project was first announced in February of 2017, and it is expected to be completed by 2022. At its peak, the project is expected to have a population of 1 million people.
The development project will feature a variety of amenities, including a convention center, a casino, and several hotels. In addition, the project will include a shopping mall, an amusement park, and a water park. The development is being financed by the Chinese government.
Initial reviews of the Blue World City Islamabad project have been positive. Many people are excited about the prospect of having such an extensive development facility close to their homes. Others are concerned about the potential security risks associated with such a large development site.
Is Blue World City Islamabad a Foreign Investment Zone?
Foreign investment in Pakistan is currently regulated by the Foreign Investment Promotion and Regulatory Authority (FIPRA). Under FIPRA, a country can designate certain zones as foreign investment zones. The zones are designed to foster foreign investment and provide regulatory and expedited treatment for investors.
Pakistan has two designated zones: one for industrial investments and the other for commercial investments. Blue World City Islamabad is an industrial zone that was designated in January 2016. The zone covers an area of 111 hectares and allows for the establishment of power, petrochemical, fertilizer, textile, food processing and other industrial businesses.
The zone has been endorsed by the Ministry of Commerce as well as the Federal Board of Revenue. It is currently waiting on approval from the Interior Minister. Once it receives clearance, construction can begin on infrastructure such as roads and power plants.
The fact that Blue World City Islamabad has received NOC status means that it meets all the requirements necessary for foreign investment. These include a strong legal framework, a robust economy and a stable government. Additionally, Pakistan has had success in attracting foreign investment in previous years; this marks yet another success for the country’s efforts to attract investors.
Conclusion
So, Blue World City Islamabad has got an NOC and should be classified as Convention Center? Let us know in the comments below.
