GUJRANWALA – A Pakistani developer is building a replica of Paris outsidethe city of Gujranwala, but five times smaller.

The Le Paris Housing Scheme will spread over 4,800 acres (19.4 sq km) andis being built by a sister company of Master Tiles and Ceramics. Paris is105 square kilometres.

France’s AREP Group and Renzo Piano Building Workshop have been tasked withthe town planning, design, and architecture.

“Pakistanis will not have to go to Europe,” said Bilal Sandhu, marketingmanager of Le Paris Housing Scheme. “The city will give affordable housesbut will be replete with facilities just like the real Paris.”

Registration for land is open at a cost of Rs 110,000 for shops,apartments, and plots measuring five marlas, seven marlas, 10 marlas, onekanal, and two kanals. “People who register will be given priority and willalso benefit from Rs 30,000 in the price to be paid for the property. Thismeans they will eventually be paying Rs 140,000, after adjusting Rs 110,000of the registration fee,” Sandhu said.