ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to form a Project Management Unit (PMU) for the early execution of the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition. Expo Centre (NICEEC) project.
“There is a race against time. If the project is started soon, it can be completed before the SCO. At least the convention centre can be completed within one year,” said an official. However. sources said the CDA wants the convention centre, once started, to be completed in 11 months on a priority basis, while the remaining parts of the project will be completed in the following months.
CDA to expedite bidding process for Rs19.3 billion projects
According to the PC-I, the total cost of the project is estimated at Rs19.3 billion, including contingency, consultancy, utility,. landscaping work. Sources said the main project cost is Rs16 billion, while over Rs3 billion has been allocated for contingency. consultancy expenses. Under the Rs16 billion project, the total covered area of NICEEC is 270,000 square feet.
“If the covered area increases beyond 270,000 square feet in the revised design. the cost will also increase accordingly; if it decreases, the cost will reduce,” said a source, adding that the project is designed on MRS (Market Rate Schedule) rates.
Meanwhile, sources said that on June 24, the CDA will receive revised technical. financial bids from two technically qualified joint venture companies. After technical evaluation, the revised financial bids will be opened for contract awarding.
The CDA has approved documentation of two joint ventures comprising international. local firms: one led by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau with Kasib Builders & Developers Pvt Ltd and Zeeruk International, and another led by China Railway Sixth Group with Usmani International Associates, Osmani and Company.
A third JV comprising Matracon Pakistan Pvt Ltd, China First Metallurgical Group Co Ltd, Tong Yuan Design Group Co Ltd,. Designmen Consulting Engineers was declared technically non-responsive by the CDA.
CDA officials said a non-responsive company has the right to file a grievance before the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority after completion of the technical evaluation process.
Last year. the CDA Development Working Party (DWP) approved the PC-I for the project at an estimated cost of Rs19.3 billion. Once initiated, the project is expected to be completed in 18 months.
A CDA working paper stated that the flagship facility will serve as a world-class multifunctional venue for conventions, exhibitions, expos, trade fairs,. cultural events, and will also host the SCO summit expected in Islamabad in 2027.
It added that the centre will be a long-term revenue-generating asset for the CDA. the national economy through event hosting, rentals, service contracts, and tourism-related activities, in line with the Islamabad Master Plan.
Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026
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