By Rana Azeem
During the Pakistan International Property Expo (PIPEX 2026) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, I had the opportunity to meet Raja Sajjad Hussain, Chairman of New Airport City Islamabad and a prominent France-based Pakistani businessman. Over the course of two days at the exhibition, I spent time discussing his remarkable entrepreneurial journey, his vision for Pakistan, and his ambitious plans to provide overseas Pakistanis with a secure and world-class investment destination.
What began as a professional meeting soon evolved into an inspiring conversation about determination, patriotism, and the desire to give back to one’s homeland.
Raja Sajjad Hussain shared that he moved to Europe at the age of 17, determined to build a better future through hard work and perseverance. Like many overseas Pakistanis, his journey was far from easy. He faced new cultures, unfamiliar languages, and countless challenges, yet remained focused on achieving success through dedication and commitment.
After establishing himself in Europe, he later expanded his business interests and eventually settled in France, while also building a successful career in Dubai through real estate, construction, and various commercial ventures. Years of experience in one of the world’s most advanced property markets gave him valuable insight into what makes a real estate development successful.
He explained that while working in Dubai, one question constantly occupied his mind:
“Why shouldn’t Pakistan have a world-class residential community where overseas Pakistanis can invest with complete confidence, free from legal complications and uncertainty?”
That vision became the foundation of what is now known as New Airport City Islamabad.
According to Raja Sajjad Hussain, overseas Pakistanis often hesitate to invest in Pakistan because of concerns regarding land ownership, legal documentation, transparency, infrastructure, and the availability of essential utilities. Instead of accepting these challenges as inevitable, he decided to create a project that would eliminate these concerns and restore investor confidence.
He revealed that work on the project began between 2008 and 2010. The first priority was to acquire land legally and complete every government requirement. All necessary approvals and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) were obtained before development began. The project was then equipped with modern infrastructure, including electricity, water, gas, road networks, and other essential public services.
Raja Sajjad Hussain emphasized that New Airport City Islamabad is far more than a conventional housing society. It has been designed as a modern, master-planned community offering a complete lifestyle.
The project features approximately six beautifully designed lakes, landscaped green spaces, residential plots ranging from 5 Marla to 1 Kanal, as well as luxury farmhouses spanning 2, 4, and 8 Kanals. The integration of natural beauty, spacious planning, and modern facilities aims to create an environment that combines comfort, security, and quality living.
He further explained that the master plan was developed with the assistance of an internationally recognized Singapore-based multinational planning company, ensuring that every aspect of the development meets global urban planning standards.
One of the project’s greatest strengths is its strategic location. New Airport City Islamabad is situated close to Islamabad International Airport and enjoys excellent connectivity with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other major highways, making it an attractive destination for both residential and commercial investment. Raja Sajjad Hussain believes that this strategic location will significantly enhance the project’s value in the years ahead.
Speaking about his vision, he said that the objective has never been merely to sell plots.
“Our mission is to provide overseas Pakistanis with complete peace of mind. We want them to invest with confidence, build homes for their families, and become part of a community that offers transparency, security, and international standards.”
He also highlighted the positive changes taking place in Pakistan’s investment climate. According to him, investors who comply with legal requirements and government regulations receive the necessary institutional support, making it easier than ever to develop genuine and transparent projects.
To introduce New Airport City Islamabad to overseas investors, Raja Sajjad Hussain has been actively participating in international property exhibitions and investment forums across different countries. The response received during PIPEX 2026 in Riyadh was particularly encouraging, with strong interest shown by both Pakistani expatriates and Saudi investors. He believes this reflects growing international confidence in Pakistan’s real estate sector.
Personally, meeting Raja Sajjad Hussain was an inspiring experience. Beyond his success as an entrepreneur, what impressed me most was his passion for Pakistan and his genuine commitment to creating opportunities for overseas Pakistanis. His vision extends beyond commercial success; it is rooted in strengthening the connection between overseas Pakistanis and their homeland through secure and sustainable investment.
At a time when Pakistan seeks greater foreign investment, initiatives such as New Airport City Islamabad demonstrate how private-sector leadership, transparent planning, and long-term vision can contribute to national economic growth while building investor confidence.
For overseas Pakistanis looking for a secure investment backed by careful planning and modern infrastructure, New Airport City Islamabad represents more than a real estate development—it represents an opportunity to remain connected to Pakistan while investing in its future.
