Skyline Tower represents one of the most comprehensive commercial construction projects I have managed under Askari Estate & Builders. The Skyline Tower construction project was started from the ground up. Starting from excavations and laying foundations, all the way until finishing the topmost floor slab, this project on tower erection enabled me to realize how important immediate engineering needs, management of execution on site, and even project management are.

One of the main issues with the Skyline Tower Project was the very high water table that the site was on. During the digging out of the ground for the foundation, we experienced several times when ground water was coming into the site and we had to keep on de-watering the site by pumping it out to keep from flooding. In addition to de-watering, keeping the walls of the excavation stable and free from dirt and clean was very important for maintaining the quality of the project.

As the Assistant Project Manager, I had involvement in almost all aspects of the construction phase: site visits, assisting with planning the flow of work, coordinating Structural Engineers, monitoring materials as they were handled, and tracking progress on the project. One of my primary responsibilities was to supervise all contractors to ensure that their work met the quality standards that we had established and that their work adhered to all contractual agreements. As I look back on this aspect of my career, I consider my interaction with the contractors and my oversight of the work that was performed would be a wonderful opportunity to develop myself as a professional within the commercial construction industry, and to learn how to be organised and flexible and take the steps necessary to resolve issues as they come up..

Construction Process Overview

Skyline Towers was constructed by adhering to a distinct, well-organised series of phases, where great care was taken to ensure that each phase from the earliest stage of preparation to the completion of the final roof slab was made with sufficiently detailed and deliberate planning and implementation. A complete overview of the construction phase breakdown can be found below.

Construction Progress Timeline

1. Site Clearance & Mobilization

• Complete removal of previous structures
• Leveling and preparation of site
• Mobilizing machinery, labor, and safety systems

2. Basement Excavation

• Excavation to required depth using heavy machinery
• Encountered high groundwater due to regional water table
• Installed dewatering pumps to continuously remove water
• Side protection and soil stabilization to ensure safe excavation

3. Dewatering Operations

• Multiple submersible pumps installed
• Water drainage and controlled discharge
• Regular monitoring to avoid settlement or soil collapse
• Allowed reinforcement and foundation work to proceed safely

4. Foundation Works (Raft Foundation)

• Surface preparation and anti-termite treatment
• Fixing reinforcement according to structural drawings
• Installing formwork and supports
• Raft concreting executed in a continuous pour for structural integrity

5. Column Work & Ground Floor Slab

• Column steel installation and casting
• Ground floor shuttering, reinforcement, embedded conduits
• Concrete pouring with quality-controlled batching

6. Structural Framing – Typical Floors

• Repetitive cycle of slab reinforcement, beams, columns, shuttering, and concrete
• MEP embedding during slab preparation
• Strict compliance with structural drawings
• Timely inspections and testing for each structural phase

7. Final Structural Works (Top Floor & Parapet)

• Completion of top slab

• Elevator and staircase shaft completion

• Parapet walls and final roof treatment

8. Grey Structure Completion

• Block masonry
• Plastering and finishing of structural elements
• Water-proofing and protective layers

From Bare Ground to a Modern Commercial Tower

Skyline Tower was not built on any pre-existing foundation. The project began with:

• Land clearing
• Topographic and soil testing
• Structural planning and design
• Excavation layout for the basement

This fresh-start approach allowed the team to design a structure fully tailored to modern commercial needs.

The Water Challenges Associated with Basement Excavations

During the excavation process, the team encountered a very high natural water table in this area. As the excavation depth became deeper, water from the natural ground began to be introduced into the project.

To maintain stability and ensure safe foundation work, the team deployed:

• High-capacity dewatering pumps
• Continuous water discharge channels
• Controlled excavation sequencing

• Soil stabilization measures

These steps enabled safe placement of the raft foundation and ensured long-term basement durability.

Strength in the Foundation 

Following the dewatering phase, the foundation works progressed with:

• Reinforcement placement checks
• High-strength concrete for footing and raft
• Waterproofing membranes
• Retaining wall construction
• Quality audits at every stage

The foundation became a reliable base capable of supporting a multi-storey commercial structure.

The Rise of Skyline Tower

Once the foundation was secured, the superstructure rose steadily. Floor cycles were executed with professional planning and quality control.

Key Milestones During Vertical Construction

• Accurate formwork alignment
• Steel reinforcement inspections
• Controlled concrete pouring
• Safe scaffolding and site management
• Close coordination among civil, MEP, and finishing teams

Completion of each of the floors has been consistent and resulted in a strong structural design that can be utilized for any type of commercial use and is in compliance with current standards.

Solar Energy as a Sustainable Form of Energy

An attractive aspect of Skyline Tower is its Solar Energy System, which is designed to produce enough electrical energy to operate most of the Tower’s functional aspects.

Some of the benefits of solar energy are listed below.

• Lower operational costs
• Reduced reliance on the grid
• Eco-friendly energy footprint
• More stable energy availability for businesses

Skyline Tower stands among the few commercial buildings in the region applying an integrated green energy approach.

Modern Finishes and Functional Design

• The finishing phase focused on:
• High-quality tiles, paint, and ceiling systems
• Reliable electrical and plumbing networks
• Optimal lighting layout
• Clean and durable materials, specifically related to commercial grade materials

The completed product provides a positive experience for all tenants and will allow you to conduct business effectively.

Timeline of Project from Skyline Tower Construction to Completion

StageDurationHighlights1. Site Preparation & SurveyingWeek 1–2Land clearing, soil testing, layout marking2. Basement ExcavationWeek 3–6Deep excavation, water table encountered, pumping installed3. Dewatering & Soil StabilizationWeek 3–6 (parallel)High-capacity pumps used to control groundwater4. Foundation ConstructionWeek 7–10Raft foundation, retaining walls, waterproofing5. Superstructure (Floors 1 to Top)Week 11–24Slab cycles, columns, beams, MEP integration6. Masonry & Internal PartitionsWeek 25–30Walls, blockwork, internal structural elements7. Electrical & Plumbing Rough-insWeek 26–33Conduits, pipes, distribution networks8. Plaster, Flooring & FinishesWeek 34–44Tiles, ceilings, paint, fittings9. Solar System InstallationWeek 40–46Solar panels, inverters, electrical integration10. Final Inspections & HandoverWeek 47–50Safety checks, quality control, occupancy readiness

Final Comments

Skyline Tower is not just a commercial building. It represents what is possible when the best practices of professional planning and managed engineering processes are combined with the use of eco-friendly materials and technologies to develop projects that will provide a long-term return on investment to owners and communities alike.Built entirely from scratch starting from deep excavation to solar-powered operations the tower showcases Askari Estate & Builders’ commitment to quality development in Sargodha.