ISLAMABAD, Oct 4: Islamabad will have its first state-of-the- art entertainment complex under an agreement between the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Cinepax, a private multiplex cinema company.

The company would build the complex spreading over three acres in 18 months to two years at a cost of $10 million.

The complex will have a modern shopping mall with an allocated area for multiplex cinemas, food court and health club.

Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony at the site on Club Road on Thursday, CDA Chairman Kamran Lashari said construction of the complex would be a huge step towards the revival of cinemas in Pakistan. He said it was strange that Islamabad had new roads and buildings but not a single cinema.

The joint venture between CDA and Cinepax would continue for 30 years, he said.

“The complex is yet another step to facilitate the people with entertainment prospects and towards beautifying the city,” said Mr Lashari.

“The entertainment complex is a new concept for the Pakistani market. Shopping and movies have always been a hot favourite, and this emergent trend of an evening-out entertainment experience all at one place would be the first for the people,” said Danny Sidhwa, chief operating officer while talking to mediapersons.