How Islamabad's elite are destroying Bani Gala
Once known for its quiet, scenic beauty and multitude of bird species, Bani Gala is now faced with a problem that threatens to destroy the area: rich people wanting to build palatial houses, and the real estate agents and land grabbers that follow behind.
The hills have now become a lucrative business venture, with buyers lining up to purchase property at prices that are lower than the rest of Islamabad. Much to the chagrin of locals, houses are being constructed at the cost of the environment, particularly the large-scale, unplanned cutting of trees.
Even though Bani Gala constitutes a rural part of Islamabad, it now exudes the air of an upscale neighbourhood. Many influential politicians, military generals, judges, bureaucrats and businessmen have residences in the vicinity. The once quiet hills are now covered with poorly constructed roads leading up to giant concrete constructs that are peppered across the landscape.