ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) has asked the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to share with it the layout plan of the proposed cricket stadium, which the latter plans to construct at the foothills of Margalla Hills National Park.

The CDA recently called tenders for the proposed cricket stadium near D-12, which prompted the IWMB to get a clarification about the site.

“Yes, recently we received a letter from IWMB and we are responding them,” said an official of the CDA environment wing.

The IWMB’s letter stated: “With reference to the advertisement issued by CDA inviting e-bids for the construction of cricket stadium near sector D-12 Islamabad, under EPC mode, this office seeks clarification regarding the exact location and layout plan of the proposed project site.”

Letter questions whether proposed site falls within or overlaps notified boundaries of national park

It added, “Whether the proposed site falls within, abuts, or otherwise overlaps the notified boundaries of Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) or any area falling within 100-meter buffer zone declared as protected area under the Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management Act, 2024.”

The letter also explained section 14 of the Act, which says: “An area falling within 100 meters outside the boundary of a National Park or a wildlife sanctuary shall be considered a protected area buffer zone, provided it is state land or acquired for this purpose.”

“Development in buffer zone, including structures, roads, buildings, or any other infrastructure or facility, shall be designed and operated in such manner that disturbance to wildlife in National Park minimized.”

According to the law, no development shall take place in a buffer zone unless a no-objection certificate (NOC) is obtained from the board prior to commencement of development.

“The requested clarification is essential to ensure compliance with the applicable environment, wildlife protection, and land-use regulations, prior to any further consideration and processing at IWMB end. In this regard, provision of a location map and layout plan of the proposed cricket stadium would be appreciated. Your timely response in this matter will greatly assist in ensuring the preservation of the natural habitat and protected area of Islamabad, particularly Margalla Hills National Park,” the letter concluded.

The CDA, in collaboration with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), wants to construct the stadium in a proposed Olympic Village to be set up in 175 acres in that area. However, it is not clear whether or not the CDA, which is providing land for the project, will also bear the construction cost of the stadium.

In the past, after getting land from the CDA, the PCB had started construction of a stadium in Shakarparian, but the project was shelved on the direction of the Supreme Court.

CDA officials said the area near D-12 does not fall in the national park, but is located in Zone III. They said Zone III permits the construction of recreational facilities like a cricket stadium as such activities fall under the permissible land use category for recreation purposes.

Asked about the construction of hotels and commercial areas and other allied facilities, the officials said a stadium and allied facilities attached with it can be constructed in the area, adding if a need arises, permission will be granted by the federal government for commercial activities in the area.

Sources said as per clause 4(3)(b) of the ICT Zoning Regulations 1992, no change in land use within Zone-III was permissible except project related to recreation, conservation and preservation. The officials said the cricket stadium project falls in the category of recreation.

In recent CDA meetings, it was stated that the proposed stadium will have an open view of the Margallas and a seating capacity of around 32,000 with a parking facility for 10,000 cars around one kilometre away from the stadium for the general public.

The CDA and PCB want to replicate the Dubai cricket stadium model in the project. The PC-1 worth Rs12 billion has already been approved by the CDA. Sources said after the revision of the concept design, the cost of the proposed project saw a decrease, to Rs8 billion.

It may be noted that the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is currently the only facility for hosting international matches in the twin cities. However, residents of Rawalpindi and adjoining areas face severe traffic congestion and other issues during matches. The government has to arrange extensive security arrangements during movement of foreign cricket teams between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

When contacted, a senior CDA officer said IWMB did not object to the construction of the stadium rather had sought a clarification.

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2026