Defence Housing Authority, Lahore
| Location | Lahore |
|---|---|
| Status | Completed |
| Opening | 19 March 1975 |
| Website | www.dhalahore.org |
| Companies | |
| Owner | Pakistan Army |
The Defence Housing Authority (DHA), Lahore is a housing society located in southern Lahore, Pakistan. Much like Askari Housing Society, Lahore, DHA too was originally built for army officers (as Civil & Defence Officers Cooperative Housing Society and later as Lahore Cantonment Cooperative Housing Society - LCCHS), but is now a popular destination for potential residents and businessmen. DHA is a popular residential area, mainly for the affluent of Pakistan.
The Defence Housing Authority is one of the most developed and high-end living areas in the country. Since the late 1990s, this once army-controlled area has attracted various 'elite' residents, such as celebrities, top military officials, politicians and many foreigners of Pakistani descent. It is also the home of LUMS University (Lahore University of Management Sciences), a prestigious institution of higher learning with international recognition, which has also caused a few parking issues in the area as of late. The community also hosts many Western amenities including a number of McDonald's, Subways, Dunkin Donuts and Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants, which have served as a convenience for many foreign visitors.
Often deemed "The New Rich", the Defence Housing Authority is a community known for its upscale shops, corporate offices, vibrant social life, and literate elite. Residential homes in the area start at around Rs 20 million (UK £150,000) and go up' to Rs 25 crore (UK £2,000,000) and above. Private school tuition rates have increased in recent years. The area is maintained by Defence Housing Authority which is backed by Pakistan Army. They have employed professional management structure, with separate departments for each and every aspect, e.g. security, maintenance, administration, accounts, planning, etc.
Furthermore, the area has also undergone extensive gentrification, bringing in a more wealthy base. The recent influx of population from the adjoining areas has also given birth to a number of problems and the crime rate has also gone up. As a result of this, DHA guards have stepped up patrolling.
During the past five years, developers have claimed extraterritorial land, which has increased new development in the area. New developments include a world-class golf resort in partnership with Bandar Raya of Malaysia in Phase 6 of DHA and a shopping and office complex in partnership with Global Haly of the United Kingdom in Phase 2 of DHA.
DHA encompasses two famous shopping centres, known as the 'Y-block' market and the 'H-block' market, which hold all kinds of Western to Continental food shops, cafes, hospitals, fitness clinics, gyms and gift shops. As of late, Y-block has also had the honor of playing host to one of Lahore's very first tattoo shop as well. DHA Y Block also has a Sports Club having gym, large commercial swimming pool (design, execution and supply & installation of pool equipment by Jopic Pool)and other sports facilities for the community. DHA Lahore main office was also located at Phase III, Sector Y but the management has decided to relocate the office at Phase VI, Sector A, just to accommodate number of people, who visit office on daily basis. There are other smaller commercial markets in DHA- like T block which has many cafes - like Hot spot, Jammin - Java, and various other salons. T block commercial area also has the very first swimming pool & spa equipment display center called Olympic Pool.
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