ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) board on Wednesday approved the formation of a Project Management Unit (PMU) for the construction of the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre (NICEEC), while the civic agency is also considering developing one residential sector through a public-private partnership.

The CDA board, which met under the chairmanship of CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf, discussed these issues in detail, along with other agenda items. Sources said that on the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the board approved the formation of the PMU for the NICEEC.

The bidding process for the project, which is being planned for next year’s SCO conference, is at an advanced stage, with financial bids scheduled to be opened on July 14.

According to the PC-I, the estimated cost of the project is Rs16 billion. It will have a covered area of 270,000 square feet and a main hall with a height of 60 feet. The project is expected to be completed in 18 months.

Board also reviews public-private partnership proposal for stalled sector, PCB agreement and other development matters

Sources said that under a revised design, the covered area is likely to be reduced to some extent, while the height of the main hall may be increased from 60 feet to 85 feet.

The NICEEC will be constructed near the Bhara Kahu Bypass in the Malpur area, about three kilometres from the existing Jinnah Convention Centre.

Meanwhile, sources said the CDA management also wants to develop one of the stalled residential sectors through a joint venture.

The board discussed a report prepared by a CDA committee but directed the authority to conduct further study before entering into any joint venture agreement.

Sources said the CDA would carry out further work on the proposal and it is likely to be placed before the board again at a future meeting.

The board also discussed a proposed agreement between the CDA and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Under the proposal, the PCB would renovate and upgrade CDA grounds and, in return, use the facilities for its tournaments, while the CDA would use them for the rest of the year.

However, sources said the board directed the relevant wing to further examine the proposal, consult Supreme Court orders related to the matter and review the financial model before placing it before the board again.

Meanwhile, the board, in principle, approved the allotment of land, subject to federal government approval, for the establishment of an International Gemstone and Jewellery Crafts Exhibition Centre in the Mauve Area of Sector G-11.

It also approved, in principle, the establishment of a National History Museum near Malpur, likely adjacent to the proposed Safari Park.

The board also discussed a case regarding the restoration and extension of a farmhouse plot that was originally allotted for a nursery and later converted into an orchard.

Sources said the matter was referred to a committee for a detailed review.

Recently, the CDA sealed the five-acre farmhouse in Chak Shahzad, estimated to be worth billions of rupees.

CDA officials said the farm is located within the right of way of Park Road.

They said the land was originally part of the nursery scheme and had been allotted on a licence basis for a nursery.

In 1987, the CDA changed the land use from a nursery to an orchard, directing the lessee to maintain at least 70 to 80 fruit plants and vegetables per acre.

Sources said the CDA cancelled the licence in 2011 but could not take possession of the property.

However, 15 years after the cancellation, the CDA sealed the building. Within days, the matter was placed before the board, which deferred a decision.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2026