Islamabad Plans New Convention and Expo Centre Ahead of SCO 2027
ISLAMABAD: The federal government, in coordination with the Capital Development Authority (CDA), is moving forward with plans to construct a new Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre in Islamabad as part of preparations for hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in 2027.
The proposed project aims to enhance the capital’s capacity to host large-scale international conferences, exhibitions and diplomatic events, addressing long-standing capacity constraints at the existing Jinnah Convention Centre.
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Multiple Sites Under Review
Sources told Reeo News that several locations are currently under consideration for the new facility. These include a site near the Bhara Kahu bypass in the Malpur area, land adjacent to the traffic police office near Faizabad, an area close to the Pakistan-China Centre, and the option of constructing the centre alongside the existing Jinnah Convention Centre.
Officials familiar with the matter said the Malpur site near the starting point of the Bhara Kahu bypass remains a leading option due to the availability of CDA-owned land and its proximity to the Diplomatic Enclave. However, authorities have not yet made a final decision and are continuing to evaluate alternatives.
CDA Confirms Project Progress
The proposed convention and expo centre was discussed during a recent meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, held on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Confirming the deliberations, the CDA chairman said multiple options were under review and that the final site selection would strictly adhere to Islamabad’s master plan.
He emphasised that accessibility, adequate parking facilities and compliance with international standards would be key considerations in deciding the location. “The facility will be built in accordance with the master plan of Islamabad,” the CDA chief said.
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Rs19.3 Billion Project with 18-Month Timeline
According to CDA documents, the Planning Commission has already approved the project’s PC-I at an estimated cost of Rs19.3 billion. Once construction begins, the project is expected to be completed within 18 months, ensuring readiness ahead of major international conferences, including the SCO summit scheduled for 2027.
The CDA’s working paper describes the facility as a world-class, multifunctional venue designed to host national and international conventions, exhibitions, trade expos, fairs and cultural events.
Boost to Economy and Tourism
Officials believe the new convention and expo centre will significantly strengthen Islamabad’s position as a regional hub for commerce, innovation and cultural exchange. The project is expected to generate long-term revenue for the CDA through event hosting, rentals and increased tourism-related activity.
“The centre will contribute to the city’s economic growth and tourism development while enhancing Islamabad’s global profile,” the working paper noted.
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Authorities also cited the limited capacity of the existing Jinnah Convention Centre as a key factor behind the decision to develop a new facility, particularly in view of Islamabad’s growing role in international diplomacy.
Related Hospitality Projects
In the same meeting, officials also reviewed progress on a proposed luxury hotel project aimed at boosting the capital’s hospitality sector. The hotel project’s PC-I, worth Rs57.7 billion, has already been approved and is planned to be executed through a public-private partnership model.
The CDA chairman directed officials to expedite the tendering process for both projects and stressed that transparency and open competition must be ensured at all stages.
A Step Toward a World-Class Capital
With Islamabad set to host high-profile international events in the coming years, officials say the proposed convention and expo centre represents a major step toward transforming the city into a modern, world-class capital capable of meeting global standards for diplomacy, trade and cultural exchange.
