The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has successfully auctioned five premium sites across Islamabad for the construction of padel tennis courts, with expectations to generate a total monthly revenue of Rs7.6 million. Padel tennis, a fast-growing sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, has recently gained popularity in Pakistan. Initially, the CDA planned to lease these sites on a profit-sharing basis, but Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed a shift to a fixed rent model, citing concerns over potential corruption in revenue-sharing agreements. Following this directive, a fresh tendering process was conducted, attracting a strong response from private investors.
According to a press release, the auction resulted in the following monthly rental agreements: G-5 near Serena Hotel and F-8 were each leased for Rs2.1 million, F-9 Park for Rs1.45 million, G-11 for Rs1.1 million, and G-8 for Rs900,000. The successful bidders are required to construct two padel courts at each location within 45 days. CDA officials, including Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa and Acting Chairman Talat Mahmood Gondal, praised the transparency and competitiveness of the auction, stating that it reflected the authority’s commitment to maximizing public resource utilization.
Gondal noted that the initiative aligns with the broader vision of promoting a healthy and active lifestyle in Islamabad by encouraging private sector investment in high-quality sports infrastructure. While padel courts already exist at F-6 and the Diplomatic Enclave under previous revenue-sharing agreements, officials confirmed that these contracts cannot be reversed. However, going forward, all sports facility projects will follow the fixed rent model. The CDA also announced plans to auction additional sites soon, including those designated for futsal courts, further enhancing the city’s recreational offerings.
