ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is reviewing financial bids for two major Islamabad projects (e proposed cricket stadium and the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre (NICEEC)) before making final decisions on the contracts.
Although financial bids for both projects have been opened, CDA has not formally awarded either contract. Officials are conducting further assessments to determine the financial reasonability and feasibility of the submitted offers.
For the proposed cricket stadium, the lowest bid was reported at Rs. 8.9 billion for construction of the stadium and associated road infrastructure. The bid was opened on July 19, after which CDA asked its consultant to evaluate whether the quoted amount is reasonable.
The stadium is planned near Sector D-12 in Zone III, where construction is generally subject to significant restrictions under CDA regulations. The authority has maintained that sports and recreational facilities may be treated differently under the applicable planning framework, making the regulatory status an important consideration before the project proceeds.
Meanwhile, the lowest financial bid for the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre was approximately Rs. 37 billion, substantially higher than the original Rs. 16 billion PC-I estimate. The bid, opened on August 4, was submitted by a joint venture led by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau.
The higher cost has been linked to design changes, including the incorporation of steel fabrication and a steel dome roof. Only two Chinese-led joint ventures reportedly participated in the bidding process. A revised offer of around Rs. 34 billion was also discussed, while preliminary estimates indicated that the cost could potentially be reduced through exemptions from certain duties and taxes.
NICEEC is being developed near the Bhara Kahu Bypass in Malpur and is intended to provide a major venue for conventions, exhibitions, trade events and other activities. The facility is also planned ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit scheduled for Islamabad in 2027, placing additional pressure on the project’s construction timeline.
For now, both projects remain at the bid-review stage. The final decisions will depend on CDA’s assessment of the submitted financial proposals, regulatory considerations and overall project feasibility.
The eventual approval and construction of these developments could influence surrounding infrastructure, commercial activity and property demand. However, stakeholders should consider the formal award of contracts and commencement of construction as stronger indicators of actual project progress than the opening of bids alone.
