ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to form a Project Management Unit (PMU) for the early execution of the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre (NICEEC) project.

Sources in the federal government told Dawn that last week, while chairing a meeting on the project, the prime minister instructed the CDA to establish the PMU and take steps for the early commencement and completion of the project.

Sources said the PM was briefed on the bidding process and other components of the project. The CDA is planning to set up the NICEEC near the Bhara Kahu bypass in the Malpur area. The project is expected to be initiated soon ahead of the next year’s SCO conference to be held in Islamabad.

“There is a race against time. If the project is started soon, it can be completed before the SCO. At least the convention centre can be completed within one year,” said an official. However, sources said the CDA wants the convention centre, once started, to be completed in 11 months on a priority basis, while the remaining parts of the project will be completed in the following months.

CDA to expedite bidding process for Rs19.3 billion projects

According to the PC-I, the total cost of the project is estimated at Rs19.3 billion, including contingency, consultancy, utility, and landscaping work. Sources said the main project cost is Rs16 billion, while over Rs3 billion has been allocated for contingency and consultancy expenses. Under the Rs16 billion project, the total covered area of NICEEC is 270,000 square feet.

“If the covered area increases beyond 270,000 square feet in the revised design, the cost will also increase accordingly; if it decreases, the cost will reduce,” said a source, adding that the project is designed on MRS (Market Rate Schedule) rates.

Meanwhile, sources said that on June 24, the CDA will receive revised technical and financial bids from two technically qualified joint venture companies. After technical evaluation, the revised financial bids will be opened for contract awarding.

The CDA has approved documentation of two joint ventures comprising international and local firms: one led by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau with Kasib Builders & Developers Pvt Ltd and Zeeruk International, and another led by China Railway Sixth Group with Usmani International Associates, Osmani and Company.

A third JV comprising Matracon Pakistan Pvt Ltd, China First Metallurgical Group Co Ltd, Tong Yuan Design Group Co Ltd, and Designmen Consulting Engineers was declared technically non-responsive by the CDA.

Sources said the design submitted by the China Third Engineering Bureau-led JV has been approved, and both responsive JVs have been directed to submit technical and supplementary financial bids based on the approved design on June 24.

CDA officials said a non-responsive company has the right to file a grievance before the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority after completion of the technical evaluation process.

Last year, the CDA Development Working Party (DWP) approved the PC-I for the project at an estimated cost of Rs19.3 billion. Once initiated, the project is expected to be completed in 18 months.

A CDA working paper stated that the flagship facility will serve as a world-class multifunctional venue for conventions, exhibitions, expos, trade fairs, and cultural events, and will also host the SCO summit expected in Islamabad in 2027.

It added that the centre will be a long-term revenue-generating asset for the CDA and the national economy through event hosting, rentals, service contracts, and tourism-related activities, in line with the Islamabad Master Plan.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026