Tall buildings are a significant feature of a modern city. In this age of skyscrapers, the race to build the tallest building has heated up. Each of the current or previous tallest buildings such as the Empire State Building, Taipei 101 and The Burj Khalifa holds the significance of a landmark. Pakistan was only a spectator in this regard with no real skyscraper in the country and the tallest building not comparable to international ones.
So when Bahria Town announced plans to build the world’s tallest building in collaboration with The Abu Dhabi Group, Karachiites couldn’t hold their disbelief. The $45 Billion project would have boosted industries and created thousands of jobs but alas the agreement was cancelled due to suspected political pressure.
The project was criticized by many for being a symbol of extravagance in a city where basic infrastructure is in shambles, roads are not proper and sewerage lines burst abundantly. People suffer load shedding, and the security of citizens is a big question. In this environment would a project of this magnitude made sense or should investment be done on the development of the city before it is ready to host a landmark?
Malik Riaz though remains adamant that he will continue to pursue his goals and attract investors to make this dream a reality.