ISLAMABAD: The federal government is considering converting the Shaheed-i-Millat Secretariat building into a luxury hotel, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a high-profile committee to examine the proposal.

Sources in the Ministry of Housing and Capital Development Authority (CDA) told Dawn that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed a committee comprising the interior, housing and finance ministers and some federal secretaries to look into the proposal.

They said the arrangement was being considered in view of next year’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. The SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) conference in October 2027 is expected to bring approximately 35 VVIPs, along with accompanying delegations comprising more than 3,000 foreign guests, to Islamabad.

“The Shaheed-i-Millat Secretariat building has been identified as a suitable facility for timely conversion and retrofitting into a luxury five-star hotel.

Move aimed at boosting Islamabad’s hotel capacity ahead of 2027 SCO summit

This building is strategically located in the heart of Islamabad, with direct connectivity to existing trunk infrastructure and convenient access to the Red Zone and key government installations. The building is situated on Plot No. 04, Sector F-6/1, Islamabad, located between Jinnah Avenue (Blue Area) and Nazimuddin Road,” said an official of the Ministry of Housing.

He said the building stood on a 4,411-square-yard plot, which was allotted to the House Building Finance Corporation (HBFC) on an outright sale basis in 1975.

The official said the existing structure comprised a total covered area of approximately 251,774 square feet, including basement facilities and multiple access points. The ground floor includes a dedicated VIP entrance, security screening facilities, a bell desk, a double-sided reception and waiting lounges, while the mezzanine floor, measuring approximately 15,170 square feet, provides substantial space for ancillary hospitality and service functions.

“A preliminary technical assessment of the building has indicated that the built-up area spanning from the third to the 16th floors is suitable for retrofitting into a luxury hotel facility capable of accommodating approximately 128 guest rooms and 64 luxury suites, along with provision for a rooftop restaurant and penthouse facilities on the upper floors,” the official said.

He added that recently a proposal for retrofitting and converting the building into a luxury five-star hotel was presented by CDA retired Chairman Sohail Ashraf to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The Housing Ministry official said the prime minister had recently formed a high-profile committee, which was currently looking into the issue, and its report would be presented to the federal cabinet for final approval.

“We [Housing Ministry and Estate Office] have also appointed a focal person for smooth coordination with the committee and other government departments,” he said.

Asked about the structural soundness of the building, particularly as a fire had broken out there in the past, the official claimed that the building was sound and fit for any use.

Meanwhile, when Dawn approached the CDA to cross-check the Housing Ministry’s position on the matter, at least five CDA officers confirmed the development and said the prime minister had recently formed a committee, which was currently collecting information from the CDA and Estate Office.

“Yes, the CDA had requested the prime minister for conversion of the building in question into a hotel and the prime minister has formed a committee on this issue,” said a CDA officer.

It is relevant to note that the CDA has already initiated a programme aimed at enhancing the stock of international-standard hospitality infrastructure in Islamabad.

According to CDA officials, around 4,000 international-standard hotel rooms are needed for the SCO and two other international events, including the South Asian Games and a meeting of the IOC.

The CDA is preparing an inventory of rooms, and sources said there was a shortfall of around 1,000 top-class rooms. The shortfall is expected to be bridged in the coming months, as a number of new hotels are being built at various locations in the capital while several existing hotels are also increasing their capacity.

“Next week, the CDA is going to host a conference of hotel owners and investors to discuss the early completion of ongoing hotel construction work and the construction of new rooms in existing hotels, wherever feasible,” said a CDA official, adding that the CDA chairman was heading the entire operation and was committed to providing the best and sufficient accommodation facilities to all visiting delegations.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2026