Major Govt Building to Become Luxury Five-Star Hotel in Islamabad

The federal government of Pakistan is contemplating transforming Islamabad's Shaheed-i-Millat Secretariat into a high-end five-star hotel in preparation for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit set for October 2027. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established a top-tier committee consisting of the interior, housing, and finance ministers, alongside senior federal secretaries, to assess the proposal.

This initiative aims to boost Islamabad's accommodation facilities prior to the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting, expected to attract approximately 35 VIP guests and over 3,000 foreign visitors to the city.

The Shaheed-i-Millat Secretariat, situated on Plot No. 04 in Sector F-6/1, between Jinnah Avenue in the Blue Area and Nazimuddin Road, was chosen due to its central location and its proximity to the Red Zone and crucial government edifices. Allotted to the House Building Finance Corporation (HBFC) in 1975, the building encompasses a total covered area of approximately 251,774 square feet, including basement facilities and several access points.

Its ground floor presently boasts a VIP entrance, security screening amenities, a bell desk, reception areas, and waiting lounges. The mezzanine level, measuring around 15,170 square feet, could be repurposed for hospitality and supporting services.

A preliminary technical evaluation determined that floors three to 16 could be converted into a luxury hotel, featuring around 128 guest rooms and 64 suites. The proposed development could further incorporate a rooftop restaurant and penthouse amenities. The proposal was recently submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by former Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman Sohail Ashraf, leading to the formation of the committee to evaluate its viability.

The Ministry of Housing and the Estate Office have designated a focal point to coordinate with the committee and other government entities. Officials have addressed concerns about the building's structural integrity following a prior fire incident, asserting that the structure is robust and suitable for occupancy.

The committee is presently collecting data from the CDA and the Estate Office. Upon finalizing its assessment, the proposal will be submitted to the federal cabinet for ultimate approval.