CDA Plans Major Upgrade of Jinnah Convention Centre

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced plans for a major upgrade and expansion of the Jinnah Convention Centre, with the aim of hosting the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in August next year. The civic agency has issued an invitation to construction firms to submit pre-qualification proposals for the project, with a deadline set for October 9.

The initial plan was to construct a new Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre (NICEEC) near Malpur; however, delays have shifted the focus towards enhancing and modernizing the existing Jinnah Convention Centre. The updated plan will integrate NICEEC facilities into the Jinnah Convention Centre.

A CDA source revealed that the authority now seeks to expand the convention center while simultaneously upgrading its existing building. The CDA had previously completed bidding for the Malpur project and received the lowest bid of Rs. 37 billion. Despite the contractor offering a concession of Rs. 3 billion, the authority was unable to commence the project on time and ultimately abandoned the plan.

Officials have emphasized the tight deadline for the new project, as it must be completed by mid-July to ensure at least a month of preparation before the SCO summit. The CDA has not yet determined the final project cost, although estimates suggest expenses of approximately Rs. 12 billion.