The Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAP) and the IAP Green Initiative have formally opposed the proposed construction of an international cricket stadium in Islamabad’s iconic F-9 Park.
While voicing strong support for the expansion of Pakistan’s sports infrastructure, the organizations, in a letter to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, argued that this particular location poses a threat to the city’s environmental stability and public well-being.
“F-9 Park is more than just a public green space; it is the ecological lungs of Islamabad. It naturally filters the city’s air, mitigates flood risks through its drainage patterns, supports biodiversity, regulates urban temperatures, and offers free recreational space to thousands of citizens,” the letter stated.
F-9 Park is designated for public use and ecological preservation, not large-scale, restricted-access infrastructure. The IAP argues that NESPAK, though respected in engineering, lacks the specialized urban ecological planning expertise required for this sensitive project. They call for a fair and transparent selection of qualified architects and urban planners experienced in sustainable design.
At a time when green conservation is a national priority, the stadium’s potential to uproot mature trees is seen as both environmentally reckless and unnecessary. Major stadiums require seamless public transit access to avoid traffic gridlock, pollution, and disruption to nearby communities—features the F-9 location currently lacks, the letter added.
Turning a free, open-access park into a ticketed venue would deprive citizens of a rare and vital public green space. The IAP recommends locating the stadium on the city’s outskirts, where infrastructure can be designed to accommodate such projects without disrupting protected urban areas.
The IAP has offered its professional support to help identify more appropriate sites, design eco-sensitive solutions, and facilitate stakeholder consultations that align with Islamabad’s long-term environmental and social goals.
I am ok with a new cricket stadium. It can be used as a land fill like the others.
Finally Islamabad can be destroyed , my by ammunition but by the very govt lol
I’m with this… Make this stadium somewhere along GT road or motorway… Along B-17 D-17 or other new sectors or them new societies along GT road. Dont destroy this or any other green space for it.
Plus building it there will be easier thanks to motorway link and easy extension of public transport plus its open land… Could also build the hotels and other offices there as well.
Bad idea and should be oposed!
Bad idea!
Bad idea!
Every time a match is planned particularly international ones, all neighbouring regions are severely affected because of security concerns and traffic plans for teams. So stadium should be in an isolated region. Best option is to build it near Thalian or Islamabad Airport with supporting hotels, so that all stay and movements of team do not affect routine commuters/citizen
Thankyou architects.
Please build a stadium Islamabad roller area just like new Islamabad airport area or near motorway M2. Not build in city area.
I don’t think they will build outside Islamabad, contracts will be given to uproot trees to chosen few, they will make tons of money by selling wood, then comes digging, more money and what not. We as a nation are like termites eating away our natural resources and the the whole country from within. I could go on and on, but space is restricted here.
I-15,16 are empty… please use that space and leave F9 park for good.
Highly request not to build
Stadium in F9 park..Please understand not to destroy greenery
Of Islamabad,
Build somewhere out side the city
Spending to much money in cricket
Only why not other sports like hockey,no funds for hockey very strange…anyhow not to consider
F9 park convert into standium
Horrible decision.
Plz the idea of cricket stadium in f9 Park, will nothing less then destruction, already a major part of the park has been destroyed by cutting down trees and the land left abandon to rot. Why can’t we focus on preserving of what is left of Islamabad. Improve and beautify market places, stop the pollution there, fine the people who litter the place
F-9 Park is an eco friendly space for all ages too. People walk and come to relax in the peaceful environment too.
We don’t need cricket stadium any more. We already have Rawalpindi stadium a few kilometers away and it’s already a mess when it comes to matches. This park should remain as a park for general public as well as wildlife. We oppose this idea of mr Mohsin Naqvi.
F. 9 Park should be saved fm this poorly conceived idea of constructing a colloseum
Ifully support you. The F9 park is the o ly well maintained park for public of all statures.
Other parts are in dilaplated stat and unclean. May the minister visit F11 Markaz park and appreciate our concerns
Agreed. It is already a congested space with perpetual security restrictions due to proximity of Occupation Forces of Pakistan. Cricket grounds should be far away from city and main transportation arteries to prevent inconvenience to residents and commuters.
This F9 park is more a dating arena rather than so called lungs of Islamabad.
Even thinking about such project is a big foul.