ISLAMABAD: Islamabad city managers have begun formal deliberations to select a site for a new convention and expo centre as part of preparations for hosting major international events including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation conference scheduled for 2027. The Capital Development Authority is leading the planning process on the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Officials discussed three potential locations during a meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The proposed sites include land near the traffic office close to Faizabad another location near the Pakistan China Centre and an option to develop the facility adjacent to the existing Jinnah Convention Centre. Each site is being assessed for feasibility accessibility and long term urban planning alignment.
The CDA chairman stated that the final selection would strictly comply with the Islamabad Master Plan. He emphasised that the chosen location must offer smooth public access adequate parking and connectivity while meeting international construction and operational standards required for large scale conventions and exhibitions.
According to CDA documents a PC I worth Rs19.3 billion for the project has already been approved. Once construction begins the convention and expo centre is expected to be completed within eighteen months. The facility is planned as a multifunctional venue capable of hosting international conferences trade expos cultural events and large exhibitions.
The working paper described the project as a strategic investment that will strengthen Islamabad position as a regional hub for diplomacy commerce innovation and tourism. The centre is expected to generate sustainable revenue for the CDA while supporting economic activity linked to events hospitality and services.
In the same meeting officials also reviewed progress on a separate luxury hotel project aimed at expanding Islamabad hospitality capacity. The CDA chairman directed that the tendering process be fast tracked with full transparency. The Rs57.7 billion hotel project approved under PC I will be executed through a public private partnership to support future international events and tourism growth.
