Islamabad could soon see some government buildings transformed into five-star hotels as authorities address the capital’s shortage of world-class accommodation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to explore the possibility of converting selected government properties into hotels.
The government has also formed a three-member ministerial committee to oversee the proposal and examine its feasibility.
Shaheed-e-Millat Building Proposed for First Conversion
The Shaheed-e-Millat Building has emerged as the first property proposed for conversion into a five-star hotel.
Consultations are currently underway regarding the proposed transformation.
The ministers for interior, finance and housing have been assigned responsibility for overseeing the plan.
The committee will review the proposal and assess how the building could be transformed into a modern hotel facility.
The proposed conversion could give Islamabad another major accommodation facility for high-profile visitors and international events.
Building Could Offer 128 Rooms and 64 Luxury Suites
The Shaheed-e-Millat Building covers approximately 4,400 square yards.
According to the available details, the building has the capacity to accommodate 128 rooms.
It could also potentially provide 64 luxury suites as part of the proposed hotel project.
However, the government has yet to finalize the conversion plan.
The ministerial committee will assess the proposal before authorities move ahead with implementation.
Therefore, the project remains at the consultation and review stage for now.
Why Islamabad Needs More Hotel Accommodation
The proposed conversion comes as Islamabad faces concerns about accommodation capacity during major international events.
The capital often hosts foreign delegations, diplomatic meetings and international conferences.
Such events can place additional pressure on the city’s existing hotel infrastructure.
The situation could become more significant during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
More than 4,000 hotel rooms have reportedly been required in Islamabad for the event.
As a result, authorities are exploring ways to increase accommodation capacity within the federal capital.
Converting existing government properties could offer one potential solution.
Instead of developing an entirely new property, the government could repurpose an existing building for hospitality purposes.
What Happens Next?
The three-member ministerial committee will now examine the proposed conversion of the Shaheed-e-Millat Building.
Its members will consider the proposal and oversee consultations related to the project. The government has not yet announced a final decision on the building’s conversion.
If approved, the project could mark a significant change in how selected government properties are used in Islamabad.
For now, however, the proposed five-star hotel remains under consideration as authorities look for ways to strengthen the capital’s accommodation facilities.
