The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has made a landmark decision. It approved development projects worth a record Rs83 billion. These projects will improve Islamabad’s basic facilities. They will also help increase tourism. Overall, they aim to make the city better for residents and visitors. The approval came during the CDA’s Development Working Party (DWP) meeting chaired by Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa.

This development is one of the biggest project approvals in CDA’s history. It includes new construction, tourism projects, and civic improvements. These will take place across the capital.

Islamabad to Get Capital House, Seven-Star Hotel & New Convention Centre

On the pattern of provincial capitals, Islamabad will soon have its own Capital House in Sector F-5. The CDA approved the PC-1 for this facility at a cost of Rs3.2 billion. The Capital House will provide accommodation and meeting spaces for high-level guests and dignitaries visiting from across the country.

Another major approval includes the construction of a seven-star hotel at the diplomatic enclave. The Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode will be used, and the project is estimated at Rs57.7 billion.

New Islamabad Convention, Expo & Exhibition Centre

CDA has also approved the PC-1 of the long-awaited New Islamabad Convention, Expo and Exhibition Centre (NICEEC). This mega project, costing Rs3.93 billion, is planned near Murree Road and Club Road.

The facility will include:

  • A world-class convention hall
  • Multiple exhibition venues
  • Trade fairs and cultural expo spaces
  • Meeting rooms
  • Conference halls
  • Tourism and business promotion facilities

The centre is expected to host large national and international events, boosting Islamabad’s economy and becoming a major tourism and business hub.

CDA officials stated the project will be completed by 2027.

Boost to Tourism, Business & City Revenue

According to officials, the new convention centre, Capital House, and seven-star hotel will significantly increase Islamabad’s ability to host:

  • Business summits
  • International conferences
  • Cultural fairs
  • Tourism-related events
  • Trade exhibitions

The CDA also expects that revenue from event bookings, commercial use, and tourist activity will contribute millions annually to the city’s economy.

Upgradation of IJ Principal Road and Diplomatic Enclave

The meeting also approved improvements and reconstruction of major Islamabad roads:

  • IJ Principal Road project at a cost of Rs4.9 billion
  • Diplomatic Enclave upgradation, costing Rs365 million

These upgrades aim to improve traffic flow, increase road safety, and support the rising number of official delegations and residents in the area.

New Multi-Storey Parking Plaza in F-8

To address Islamabad’s growing parking crisis, particularly around courts and commercial districts. The CDA approved the construction of a five-floor parking plaza in Sector F-8. The project, estimated at Rs3.81 billion, will ease congestion in one of the city’s busiest zones.

Complete City Revamp Under the New Master Plan

Many of the projects approved fall under the revised Master Plan of Islamabad, focusing on:

  • Urban development
  • Transportation upgrades
  • Tourism and recreation
  • Infrastructure expansion

CDA officials confirmed that all PC-1 approvals were made with long-term city planning goals in mind.

Timelines and Execution

  • Most projects follow EPC mode for faster and transparent execution.
  • The convention centre is expected to be completed within 18 months once work begins.
  • Other projects have completion timelines ranging from 18 to 24 months.

Conclusion

With the approval of Rs83 billion worth of projects, Islamabad is set for a massive infrastructural shift. These developments include a world-class convention centre and a seven-star hotel. They also involve upgrading roads and adding new parking facilities. The goal is to turn the federal capital into a modern city that welcomes businesses and tourists.