Prime Minister Shehbaz Orders Creation of PMU to Accelerate Islamabad Convention and Expo Centre Development

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the Capital Development Authority to establish a Project Management Unit to accelerate the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre (NICEEC) development.

According to federal government sources, after chairing a meeting on the initiative, the prime minister directed the CDA to set up the PMU and implement measures to fast‑track the project.

Officials briefed the prime minister on the procurement process and related aspects. The CDA intends to locate the NICEEC near the Bhara Kahu bypass in Malpur, with commencement slated before the upcoming SCO summit scheduled for next year in Islamabad.

CDA to expedite bidding process for Rs19.3 billion projects

The approved project estimate puts total expenditure at Rs19.3 billion, covering contingency, consultancy, utilities, and landscaping. The core construction budget stands at Rs16 billion, with more than Rs3 billion earmarked for contingency and consultancy. The planned built‑up area of NICEEC is 270,000 square feet.

A source noted that any adjustment to the covered area beyond 270,000 square feet will proportionally affect the cost, and the project follows the Market Rate Schedule (MRS).

According to sources, revised technical and financial proposals from two qualified joint‑venture consortiums are expected on June 24. Following technical assessment, the financial submissions will be opened for contract award.

The CDA has approved the documentation of two joint ventures: one comprising China Construction Third Engineering Bureau alongside Kasib Builders & Developers Pvt Ltd and Zeeruk International, and the other featuring China Railway Sixth Group with Usmani International Associates, Osmani, and Company.

A third consortium involving Matracon Pakistan Pvt Ltd, China First Metallurgical Group, Tong Yuan Design Group, and Designmen Consulting Engineers was deemed technically non‑responsive.

The design from the China Construction Third Engineering Bureau‑led consortium has been approved, and both responsive joint ventures have been instructed to submit technical and supplemental financial bids based on that approved design on June 24.

CDA officials explained that a non‑responsive bidder may lodge a grievance with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority after the technical assessment is completed.

Last year the CDA Development Working Party approved the project’s PC‑I, also estimating Rs19.3 billion, with completion targeted within 18 months of commencement.

A CDA working paper notes that the facility will be a world‑class, multifunctional venue for conventions, exhibitions, expos, trade fairs, and cultural events, and is slated to host the 2027 SCO summit in Islamabad.

The paper adds that the centre will serve as a long‑term revenue source for both the CDA and the national economy via events, rentals, service contracts, and tourism activities, consistent with the Islamabad Master Plan.

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