The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to establish the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition & Expo Centre (ICEEC), which is planned to be the largest facility of its kind in Pakistan. The project aims to provide modern infrastructure for hosting large-scale events, addressing the capital’s increasing demand for upgraded venues.
According to the official document, Islamabad currently relies on the Jinnah Convention Centre (JCC) for civic, governmental, and commercial events. However, the existing centre is struggling to meet the requirements of a rapidly expanding city. Limited parking, outdated amenities, and evolving event formats have highlighted the need for a more advanced facility.
The CDA has earmarked a 40-acre site within Islamabad Capital Territory for the new complex, which will include 320,000 square feet of built-up area, multi-level parking for over 1,000 vehicles, hybrid event technologies, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
To begin the process, CDA has launched a National Architectural Design Competition. The competition is open to architects and design firms registered with the Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP). Submissions must reflect architectural quality, innovation, contextual relevance, and sustainability.
All entries will first be reviewed by a Selection Committee formed by the Authority, with shortlisted proposals to be evaluated by a designated Jury/Committee for final recommendations.
The proposed centre will also include hospitality services in line with international standards. It is intended to serve as a landmark facility that supports Islamabad’s ambition to become a regional destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), while also helping to decongest the JCC and reduce event-related pressure in central areas.
CDA has asked interested firms and individuals to obtain detailed competition documents and submission guidelines from the official CDA website or request them via email. The deadline for submission is October 15, 2025, and all queries are being handled by the Building & Housing Control Wing of the Authority.
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Which area is earmarked for the project
Why don’t you just say that the Ministry of Interior has captured the current convention centre? Where is the accountability, where is due procedure and oversight?
Quality of work CDA is able to pull together can be judged by visit to washrooms of any such facility where sub standard fake fittings, leaking flush tanks, dripping faucets and improper floor slope resulting in pooled dirty water tell it all.
CDA may associate The Agha Khan Foundation to help out in design selection compliant to green architecture, resilience to climate change, environmentally sustainable and an iconic structure representative of local and modern architecture.
Is the site opposite Lok Virsa as CDA is clearing all the greenery from there
A 100% useless project. Focus on water supply, electricity supply, health facilities, education facilities, maintenance of roads, free parking areas and other places of public interest from the illegally occupying mafias etc. None cares about shiny convention centres, which will start leaking the next day or chair lifts or glass trains. Set your priorities right. Think of the common man.
CDA auction 2 3 plots for exhibition centres to private parties who run these facilaties
CDA is failed to develop Islamabad and provide essential services. Till date federal government is going to sold out the convention center through privatisation and now they are constructing another convention center. If constructed CDA is unable to run this type of facility.
Current convention center is being used by MoI these days.