Key Takeaways
- The Capital Development Authority has received a bid of Rs37 billion for the new convention center.
- Only two joint ventures, both led by Chinese companies, participated in the bidding process.
- The project aims to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Islamabad next year.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has received a bid of Rs37 billion for the construction of the new Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre. This is significantly higher than the original project cost estimated at Rs16 billion.
According to CDA documents, the revised design includes steel fabrication and a steel dome roof, which increased the project's estimated cost substantially from the initial PC-I value of Rs19.3 billion.
Only two joint ventures submitted bids, both led by Chinese companies, indicating limited interest in the project. The CDA has decided to conduct a third-party bid evaluation before proceeding further.
The new center will be built near Bhara Kahu Bypass in Malpur area, approximately three kilometers from the existing Jinnah Convention Centre. It is being planned ahead of next year’s Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Islamabad.
The facility aims to serve as a multi-purpose venue for conventions, exhibitions, trade fairs, cultural events and the SCO summit scheduled for 2027. The main construction cost was set at Rs16 billion with a covered area of 270,000 square feet and an 85-foot-high main hall.
The CDA aims to complete the main components within one year to host the SCO summit, while the remaining parts, including the expo center, may be completed later. The project will be supervised by a newly appointed member of the building department.
Sources stated that all changes in the project scope, including additions such as the steel structure, will be reviewed during the evaluation process. If the consultant and third-party evaluator approve the quoted rates, the authority may revise the original PC-I.
