ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has delayed final decisions on bids for two major Islamabad projects, including a proposed cricket stadium and the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre (NICEEC).
While financial bids for both projects were opened, the authority has required further review before proceeding with the stadium proposal. Meanwhile, plans for a new convention centre have been put on hold after the selected Chinese-led bidder indicated that the project could not be completed within the required timeframe.
Stadium Bid Remains Under Review
The lowest financial bid for the proposed cricket stadium and associated road infrastructure was Rs. 8.9 billion.
The bid was opened on July 19, after which CDA asked its consultant to examine whether the quoted amount was reasonable before making a final decision.
The proposed stadium is planned in Zone III near Sector D-12. The location has attracted regulatory attention because CDA’s zoning framework generally restricts construction in the area, although the authority considers sports and recreational facilities permissible under the applicable provisions.
No final contract award has been announced for the stadium.
New Convention Centre Plan Put on Hold
The NICEEC project has taken a different direction following the bidding process.
The lowest bid, submitted by a joint venture led by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau, was approximately Rs. 37 billion against an original PC-I estimate of Rs. 16 billion.
The higher cost was associated in part with design changes, including the proposed use of steel fabrication and a steel dome roof instead of the earlier reinforced-concrete structure.
The bidder subsequently indicated that it could not complete the project within the one-year timeframe required ahead of the September 2027 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
As a result, the plan for constructing the new convention centre has reportedly been put on hold.
Existing Convention Centre May Be Upgraded
Instead of proceeding with the new facility, authorities are preparing to tender renovation and refurbishment work at the existing Islamabad convention centre.
This approach would shift the immediate focus from constructing a new complex to upgrading infrastructure already available in the capital.
The proposed NICEEC site was planned near the Bhara Kahu Bypass in the Malpur area, around three kilometres from the existing Jinnah Convention Centre.
Summit Deadline Influences Planning
The convention centre project was linked to preparations for the SCO summit scheduled to take place in Islamabad in 2027.
The tight timeframe has been an important consideration in evaluating whether a new facility could be designed, awarded and completed before the international event.
The latest change means the scope of construction activity associated with the convention centre will depend on the forthcoming refurbishment plan and tendering process.
What Happens Next
For the stadium, CDA’s decision remains dependent on the assessment of the Rs. 8.9 billion bid and any subsequent procurement approvals.
For the convention centre, the next significant milestone will be the tendering and award of the refurbishment project for the existing facility.
Neither development should therefore be treated as a confirmed new construction project until the relevant contracts, approvals and implementation schedules are formally finalized.
The outcome of these processes may also influence surrounding infrastructure and commercial activity, particularly around D-12 for the stadium proposal and the existing convention centre area for refurbishment-related works.
