Rs. 8.9 Billion Bid Confirmed for New Cricket Stadium in Islamabad

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has opened the financial bid for Pakistan’s largest proposed cricket stadium, with Habib-ZKB-EA JV emerging as the successful bidder after submitting an offer of Rs. 8.9 billion.

The stadium will be built near Sector D-12 at the foothills of the Margalla Hills and will have a seating capacity of more than 35,000 spectators. Officials said the design will be similar to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

According to the project’s PC-I, the stadium has an estimated cost of Rs. 11.9 billion and is expected to be completed within one year after construction begins.

Of the total bid amount, Rs. 5.8 billion has been quoted for the construction of the three-tier stadium structure, while Rs. 3.1 billion will cover external development work. This includes three kilometers of three-plus-three-lane roads and related infrastructure.

Two joint ventures, Habib-ZKB-EA and Lemar Builders and KC-BK-MI, initially submitted their designs and financial proposals through the e-Pak Acquisition and Disposal System (e-PADS) in March. Both were declared responsive bidders.

After reviewing the proposals, the CDA found Habib-ZKB-EA’s design more suitable and asked both bidders to submit supplementary designs and revised financial proposals by July 2.

Habib-ZKB-EA submitted its supplementary design and informed the authority that its original financial bid would remain valid. The second joint venture did not submit a supplementary design or financial proposal, after which the CDA proceeded with opening Habib-ZKB-EA’s bid.

A CDA official said the authority had completed the required bidding process and could award the contract under Public Procurement Regulatory Authority rules, as the project is being carried out under an engineering, procurement and construction model.

However, the quoted rates will first be reviewed by the project consultant, Nespak, to determine whether they are reasonable.

“If Nespak approves the rates quoted by the joint venture, we will move forward with awarding the contract,” the official said.

The official added that the interior minister, CDA chairman and member environment were closely monitoring the project and wanted it completed within one year of the start of construction.

Habib-ZKB-EA has previous experience in stadium construction and recently worked on the Gaddafi Stadium project as an EPC contractor for the Frontier Works Organisation.

At present, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is the only venue in Islamabad and Rawalpindi capable of hosting international cricket matches.