ISLAMABAD: The Department of Archaeology and Museum will set up Gandhara Centre at F-9 Citizen Club, as both the department and the CDA are all set to sign an agreement in this regard.

Sources in the department said both sides have almost finalised the draft agreement.

“Both sides have finalised modalities for collaboration and a draft agreement has also been mutually agreed upon. The proposed initiative is of significant cultural importance, aimed at promoting and preserving the rich Gandhara Heritage while enhancing public awareness and tourism,” an official of the archaeology department said.

He said the department had recently also issued a letter to CDA, requesting for fixation of a date for signing the agreement.

CDA, archaeology department are all set to sign an agreement, says official

“We are hopeful soon we will sign the agreement with CDA then we will take steps for setting up Gandhara Centre,” the official said.

Recently, CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Sohail Ashraf also visited the club building to get a briefing about the entire citizen club project.

“Chairman CDA expressed satisfaction over the renovation works of the Club building and directed that the club be made fully operational. He further said that the remaining renovation work required to make the club operational should be ensured for completion at the earliest,” said a statement issued by CDA.

It is relevant to note that in 2021, the CDA board approved rules for the club. The facility was supposed to be used for conventions and exhibitions and would have a museum depicting Gandhara culture.

According to the proposal floated at the time, the centre will be opened to the public initially for a one-time/lifetime membership fee of Rs500,000. According to the CDA documents, Rs2.5 billion was expected to be generated from the initial lifetime membership of 5,000 patrons which will help recover CDA’s investment of Rs2 billion.

In 2021, it was decided that the club would be opened to the public for a monthly subscription fee, but the members would need to deposit a one-time security deposit of Rs50,000. However, nothing has been implemented as the building still awaits visitors.

However, sources said the CDA is now serious to make the building functional. In 2010, when the club building was near completion, the Supreme Court ruled: “As a huge amount has already been spent [on the club] the CDA, with the approval of the federal government, instead of abandoning the project may utilise the building and other facilities for any public welfare project, like a women university, medical/engineering college, science, technology or IT institution”.

After the SC judgement, the project remained abandoned for years and finally some years ago, CDA completed the work and renamed the building Gandhara Citizen Club. The facility spreads over 22 acres with a 265,000 square feet covered area is still lying dysfunctional. However, sources said the incumbent CDA chairman directed the concerned wing to complete the finishing work to make the facility functional.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2026