Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved the documentation of two joint ventures involving local and international firms for the construction of a new convention, expo, and exhibition centre in Islamabad.
The proposed facility will be built in Malpur near the Bhara Kahu Bypass and is expected to become a major venue for international conferences, exhibitions, trade fairs, and cultural events.
According to sources, the federal government and the CDA are also planning to appoint a new Member Infrastructure to accelerate work on major development projects, including the convention centre. A former officer of Punjab’s Communication and Works Department is likely to be appointed to the position, while a serving officer from the same department is expected to join the CDA as Director General Infrastructure.
Sources said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has directed the CDA to expedite work on key development projects and ensure their timely completion.
In addition to the convention centre, the CDA is currently focusing on several large-scale projects, including a proposed cricket stadium and the construction of service roads along the Islamabad Expressway. To improve project management, a separate infrastructure wing is expected to be created, with responsibilities divided between the new wing and the existing engineering department.
Three joint ventures participated in the bidding process for the convention centre project. Following technical evaluation, two joint ventures were declared responsive:
- China Construction Third Engineering Bureau, Kasib Builder & Developers Pvt Ltd, and Zeeruk International
- China Railway Sixth Group, Usmani International Associates, and Osmani & Company
A third joint venture comprising Matracon Pakistan Pvt Ltd, China First Metallurgical Group Co Ltd, Tong Yuan Design Group Co Ltd, and Designmen Consulting Engineers was declared technically non-responsive.
Sources said the designs submitted by the responsive bidders were reviewed, and the design proposed by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau received approval. Both qualified bidders will now be asked to submit revised financial bids based on the approved design.
Meanwhile, the joint venture declared non-responsive has reportedly submitted a grievance to the CDA. Officials stated that under procurement rules, a company has the right to file a complaint with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) after completion of the technical evaluation process.
Last year, the CDA Development Working Party approved the PC-I of the project at an estimated cost of Rs. 19.3 billion. According to project documents, construction is expected to take around 18 months once work begins.
However, sources said the federal government wants the main convention centre facility completed within one year so it can be used for the expected Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Islamabad in 2027. Remaining project components would be completed afterward.
Officials noted that nearly eight months have already passed since the project site was selected, making it important to begin construction as soon as possible.
According to a CDA working paper, the convention centre is planned as a world-class, multi-purpose facility capable of hosting national and international events, exhibitions, expos, trade fairs, and cultural activities. The authority also expects it to become a long-term revenue-generating asset through event hosting, venue rentals, service contracts, and tourism-related economic activity.
The project is aligned with the Islamabad Master Plan and could also complement the proposed Jinnah Square Downtown project in the future.
The downtown project, proposed last year, covers approximately 5,400 kanals along Srinagar Highway and Murree Road, stretching from One Constitution Avenue to the Bhara Kahu Bypass. Although the CDA reportedly controls more than 90 percent of the required land, the project has remained on hold since initial discussions and concept planning were completed.
