ISLAMABAD: In a precedential move, the authorities in Islamabad approves Capital House. The Capital Development Authority approves it as part of a major development package. The CDA allocates over Rs83 billion for this package. This investment paves the way for large-scale infrastructural, hospitality, and civic projects in Islamabad. Officials announced it at a CDA Development Working Party meeting on Thursday. CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa chaired the meeting. According to sources, the current package is the biggest single approval of CDA in terms of the total project value.
The authorities gave the green light to the new Islamabad Capital House. Officials approve the state-of-the-art convention centre. Authorities approve a five-star/seven-star hotel. Committees approve new government houses. Boards approve renovations of the Diplomatic Enclave. Panels approve the building of several pedestrian bridges.
The Capital House, which will be built on Sector F-5, is one of the notable approvals of the DWP meeting. Officials expect this to become the concentration of the decentralised government houses in the capital. The plan follows the model of provincial houses in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta and Peshawar.
The facility will accommodate centralised and well-designed office and residential accommodation. Federal officials will use contemporary spaces within it. This project costs Rs3.2 billion. Based on the accepted PC-I, the construction process will start shortly and will be completed within two years. The proposed project will offer functional accommodation. Designers will ensure it adheres to the current architecture standards of Islamabad. The development also combines beauty with functionality.
It is a historic project in Islamabad, as one of the CDA officials remarked. Capital House will be an innovative administrative centre, as well as a place where officials can be proud to be.
The DWP also approved the construction of an immense convention centre. Officials named it the New Islamabad Convention, Expo and Exhibition Centre (NICEEC). The authorities estimate the project at Rs19.3 billion. Its location will lie along Murree Road/Club Road in the Faizabad area.
Planners envision the proposed centre as a multifunctional facility. The centre can host national and international conventions, exhibitions, trade fairs, expos, and cultural events. CDA sources believe the project holds particular importance. This timeline aligns with the federal government’s plans to host the SCO summit in Islamabad in 2027.
A DWP working paper states that the NICEEC will be a global-class venue. The facility will enhance Islamabad as a place for business and culture. It will further generate revenue for the city.
The project will generate financial returns through direct means. These direct sources include the renting of facilities and service contracts. Additional returns will arise through indirect means. Tourism-related expenditures will contribute to these indirect gains.
The builders will complete the construction of the convention centre within 18 months. This timeline is expected to create more jobs during the building phase. Operations will further generate additional employment opportunities. Urban planners believe the centre will play a major role. They expect it to help make Islamabad an international events destination. They expect it to enhance businesses across the country. Tourism will also receive a boost because of the centre, according to planners.
The historic DWP meeting approved another significant project: a seven/five-star hotel in Sector F-5. Its estimated cost stands at Rs 57.7 billion. Developers will build the hotel under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode. The project aims to attract international business and leisure tourists. Diplomats and state guests are also among its intended visitors.
Officials believe the hotel forms part of a larger plan to improve Islamabad’s hospitality infrastructure. They expect it to boost tourism. The development is also intended to establish a high-end destination for visitors from around the world. The EPC mode of the project will ensure that one contractor manages the engineering design. This contractor will also take charge of materials procurement. They will further handle all construction processes. Such an approach promises efficiency, accountability, and timely execution.
Officials anticipate that the hotel will begin operating in 18 months. The facility is expected to host international conferences. Diplomatic operations are also likely to take place there. Cultural events will additionally be part of its offerings. Officials expect it to establish Islamabad as a destination for business travellers. Its luxurious accommodation will attract foreign heads as well. Modern facilities will further enhance its appeal.
Alongside the flagship initiatives, the DWP approved several additional projects. These efforts will enhance civic amenities. Government infrastructure will also improve through these projects.
The DWP approved the construction of six pedestrian bridges. Engineers will build these at key locations, including Park Road, Srinagar Highway, Islamabad Expressway, and IJP Road. The CDA includes each bridge in a project valued at Rs574 million. The plan aims to improve safety and streamline pedestrian movement across these busy routes. The plan aims to improve safety and streamline pedestrian movement across these busy routes. The project will focus on these bridges on pedestrian safety, lessening traffic, and easing movement within the city. Engineers project an 18-month timeline to complete the construction of the bridges.
Final Words:
These initiatives reflect a strong commitment to modernising Islamabad’s residential and operational zones. They aim to upgrade government and diplomatic areas with modern facilities. These improvements will support daily operations. They will also ensure smoother and more efficient activity across the capital.
