Bani Gala is a residential area located in Islamabad at the eastern bank of Rawal Lake.
History
The residential area of Bani Gala has remained controversial Since its establishment in early 2000, as reportedly some localities were constructed on private land without permission. Moreover, Rawal Lake was being polluted because of construction activity in the nearby areas, commercial fishing and sewage discharge of Bani Gala and other nearby villages into it. Capital Development Authority vowed to take action against all unauthorised constructions beside the Rawal Lake under the pretext of controlling pollution in the water reservoir. The locality became famous after the former head of the country's nuclear programme, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan built his house there and since then the issue of "illegality" of the locality had been sidelined. Currently the place is the official residence of former cricketer and Chairman of Pakistan's largest political partyPakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan elected on 18 August 2018, Imran Khan.
Development
Lakhwal Village - that falls on this road - has some residential houses but they have been constructed illegally
Kinara restaurant is a recent development at Bani Gala which has turned into a beautiful hangout spot at Rawal Lake.
Rawal Lake View Park has been planted with flowering trees and laid out with gardens, picnic spots, and secluded paths. The terraced garden and the lake are used for picnics, fishing and boating. The highest point in the garden offers a panoramic view of the lake, Margalla and Murree hills, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The Korang Tributary is inviting for birds during their usual migrating patterns to/from North and South of Pakistan. This Siberian Bird Migration has several stops around Islamabad on the way to the hotter south.
Atif Aslam performed a live musical concert at Beaconhouse Mohranur Campus located in Bani Gala, Islamabad on 10 August 2010
Upper Bani Gala area lies on South-Eastern edge of Bani Gala and comprises of Upper Bani Gala Road and Noor Avenue. It’s primarially a residential area situated on a hillock which lies at an elevation between 1800~2000 feet ASL.
In response to Imran Khan's complaint the authority wrote to Khan that his own property, Banigala has been built without a planning permission. Therefore Banigala is an illegal structure. Justice Saqib Nisar asked Khan/authority to REGULARISE Banigala but it has not been done, as other illegally built properties too will have to be regularised.
