Islamabad to Spend Rs. 1 Billion on City Decoration

The Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has announced plans to allocate Rs. 1 billion towards city decoration, outdoor branding, and event management. This decision comes despite Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent implementation of austerity measures due to a dwindling fiscal space. The funds will be utilized to accommodate national and international dignitaries, as well as to commemorate national occasions.

The Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) within the MCI oversees these undertakings, particularly during significant national events and visits from foreign leaders. In the past, the city relied on private contractors to manage each event separately, often leading to delays. However, the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) Finance Wing has now provided Rs.

1 billion to the DMA for continuous spending on these services. The CDA finances the MCI on a loan basis and manages its financial obligations through its Finance Wing. A rate-running contract has been issued for the procurement of branding and event management services through the least-cost-based selection procedure. The procurement process will follow a single-stage, two-envelope process, wherein technical bids will be evaluated initially, and financial bids will only be considered from firms that have met the technical requirements.

The MCI Deputy Director General, Tariq Latif, revealed that Rs. 600 million was spent on city branding and associated services in the previous year. Latif attributed the increase in the allocation to inflation and the anticipated influx of international events in the country. He added that the lowest bidder will be accountable for outdoor branding, event management, and related services.

The contract will be valid for two years and may be extended for an additional year. Latif emphasized that completing the procurement process would enhance transparency and minimize delays.