Generally people of Punjab, Sindh, , Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir are surrounded by problems in their lives this creating feelings of hatred and enmity becoming widespread. This has a resemblance of the situation in East Pakistan in 1971. The use of force was prevalant then, and it is still prevalant now. Enormous losses had to be borne back then, and they are still being endured today.
The purpose of informing you from a broader perspective is to encourage you to analyze situations beyond a limited view and urge those responsible to act sensibly.
This is the sad story of River Garden, a residential colony in Zone V of Islamabad. This society was formed by merging two societies: Gilgit-Baltistan Housing Society and River Gardens. This community was developed by Major Ejaz Mahmood along with some colleagues from Gilgit-Baltistan back in 1990s. Due to its unique location, it has always been a preferred residential area. The society has a total capacity of 1,000 houses and is somewhat of a gated community.
According to the approved layout plan by CDA (Capital Development Authority), the society was obligated to provide basic amenities along with housing. CDA's primary condition for private or cooperative societies is to ensure the availability of markets, mosques, schools, hospitals, security, roads, graveyards, water, electricity, gas, banks, parks, children's playgrounds, and telephone services. In the case of River Garden, all these responsibilities fall on its management.
In return for these services, the society collects bills from the residents, which have drastically increased over time, while the overall condition of the society continues to deteriorate. Let’s explore the reasons behind this decline and identify the flaws causing the situation to worsen day by day.
After an in-depth analysis, it becomes clear that due to Major Ejaz Mahmood’s old age, his active involvement in the society has weakened. However, he still holds an emotional attachment to the society, once saying, "This society is like my son Rizwan." His kind nature was evident as he even considered the security in-charge, Nadeem Khan, as his son.
The decline began when Major Ejaz Mahmood and his son, Rizwan Ejaz, handed over all management to their servants. It’s no secret how employees handle businesses, and it becomes a tragedy when these workers refuse obtaining training, seeing it as beneath them, and start considering themselves masters instead of managers.
When the installation of telephone lines began, the residents were charged, even though this was solely the administration's responsibility since the plot costs had already been paid. Similarly, during the construction of the security fence around the society, the administration collected funds from residents even though the cost was already included in the plot price. Despite collecting 70% of the required funds, the fencing work was left incomplete negating its very purpose.
The graveyard, originally spread over 17 kanals, was reduced to just 2.25 kanals. The remaining graveyard area was shifted 13 kilometers away to Kahuta Road without consulting or informing the residents.
The years 2023 and 2024-25 have been the most devastating for this society. Persistent electricity issues plagued the society, and gas problems also surfaced. In January 2025, under the pretext of building a police station, the plot reserved for the community center also came under threat. The administration's negligence left this plot vacant for years, and as the saying goes, even ghosts occupy empty houses.
Additionally, several other plots remain vacant. Many roads are still unpaved, and plots designated for schools and hospitals also lie empty. Numerous other issues have diminished the beauty of this society, and Major Ejaz Mahmood's dream is slowly shattering.
At this point, it’s essential to mention the biggest issue: the administration’s hostile attitude toward the residents. Any institution or even country is destined for ruin when its people are internally restless, when discrimination prevails, and when some are kept close while others are alienated.
Those who have been favored have remained close to the administration for years, and other residents are not allowed to take part in decision making Even if residents elect someone from among themselves, the administration refuses to acknowledge them. Therefore, one major reason for the decline is the administration's self-centered decision-making.
I believe that the reality is not being conveyed to Major Ejaz Mahmood and his son, Rizwan Ejaz. Otherwise, they would not let their garden wither away like this.