CDA Plans Major Expansion of Capital’s Hotel Capacity
Islamabad is preparing for a major hospitality expansion ahead of the 2027 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, with authorities targeting at least 4,000 international-standard hotel rooms for visiting delegates.
The Capital Development Authority has started surveying hotels across the federal capital and is preparing a detailed inventory of accommodation suitable for international guests.
CDA officials say Islamabad already has more than 4,000 hotel rooms across different properties. However, approximately 1,000 rooms currently do not meet the standards expected for a high-level international event.
This has created a significant accommodation challenge as Pakistan prepares to receive large foreign delegations for the SCO gathering next year.
CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf said the authority was confident that the required number of premium rooms would be available before the event.
He acknowledged that providing 4,000 high-quality rooms was a major challenge but said the target would be achieved.
The authority now plans to work directly with hotel owners, developers and investors.
A special conference involving leading hotel owners and investors is expected to be held in Islamabad next week.
The meeting will encourage existing hotels to increase room capacity.
Developers of hotels already under construction will also be urged to complete their projects before the 2027 summit.
Investors could additionally be encouraged to begin new hospitality projects where construction can be completed within the required timeframe.
New Hotels and Government Facilities Could Provide Extra Capacity
CDA officials expect several hotels currently being developed across Islamabad to become operational during 2027.
The authority believes this new capacity could push the number of suitable rooms above the 4,000-room requirement.
Islamabad already has several major international-standard hotels, including Serena, Marriott and Mövenpick.
Additional facilities are also expected to be used as backup accommodation if required.
CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf said projects including the Ghandhara Club and selected government buildings could be incorporated into the accommodation plan for SCO delegations.
The federal government has placed particular emphasis on preparations for the summit.
According to the CDA chairman, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the interior minister have directed authorities to focus closely on the hotel industry and ensure that Islamabad is fully prepared for the international event.
The hospitality expansion is not being planned only for the SCO summit.
Islamabad is also expected to host other major international events in 2027, including the South Asian Games and an international Olympic-related meeting.
These events could significantly increase demand for high-quality hotels, transport, security and conference infrastructure.
Authorities therefore view the current preparations as a broader effort to strengthen Islamabad’s ability to host major international gatherings.
Rs37 Billion Convention Centre Planned for SCO Event
Pakistan is also preparing a major new venue for the 2027 SCO summit.
The New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre, known as NICEEC, is planned near the Malpur area of Islamabad.
The new facility is expected to serve as the main venue for the SCO gathering.
The existing Jinnah Convention Centre and Pak-China Friendship Centre will also remain available for related meetings and events.
CDA recently opened financial bids for construction of the new convention and exhibition complex.
A joint venture led by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau emerged as the lowest bidder.
Only two joint ventures competed for the project, and both were headed by Chinese companies.
The project was originally designed around a reinforced concrete structure with a main construction cost estimated at around Rs16 billion.
However, major design changes were later introduced.
Steel fabrication was added to the revised design, including a steel-domed roof.
Following those changes, the lowest financial bid reached approximately Rs37 billion.
The bid and revised design will now undergo third-party review to determine whether the proposed rates are reasonable.
Once the consultant completes the validation process, the CDA can move towards awarding and beginning construction.
Officials say the project will need to be completed within approximately one year to ensure it is ready before the SCO event.
The original plans envisioned a facility covering around 270,000 square feet, with a main hall approximately 60 feet high.
The wider project cost had initially been estimated at Rs19.3 billion after including consultancy, utilities, landscaping and contingency expenses.
Those estimates are now expected to change because of the redesigned steel structure.
The proposed convention centre is intended to remain useful beyond the SCO summit.
CDA documents describe it as a multi-purpose international venue capable of hosting conventions, exhibitions, trade fairs, expos and cultural programmes.
With new hotels, upgraded accommodation and a major convention centre now being planned simultaneously, Islamabad is preparing for one of its largest international hosting exercises in recent years.
