Islamabad to get new Expo center

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has made plans to set up the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition & Expo Centre (ICEEC), which will be Pakistan’s largest convention facility.

The project is designed to offer state-of-the-art infrastructure for holding large events to cater to the rising demand of the capital for upgraded venues.

As per the official document, Islamabad is currently dependent on the Jinnah Convention Centre (JCC) for civic, government, and commercial functions.

The current centre, though, cannot cater to the needs of a fast-growing city. Insufficient parking, old-fashioned facilities, and changing event patterns have necessitated a more sophisticated facility.

The CDA has allocated a 40-acre plot in Islamabad Capital Territory for the new complex, which will have 320,000 square feet of built-up area, multi-level car parking for more than 1,000 cars, hybrid event technology, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

To start the process, CDA has initiated a National Architectural Design Competition. The competition is open to architects and design firms who are enrolled with the Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP). The submissions shall ensure architectural quality, innovation, contextual importance, and sustainability.

All the entries would be initially scrutinized by a Selection Committee convened by the Authority, with shortlisted proposals being assessed by a nominated Jury/Committee for ultimate recommendations.

The new centre will also have hospitality facilities in accordance with international standards. It will act as a marker facility that promotes Islamabad’s vision to be a regional MICE destination, as well as to take the load off JCC decongestion and event pressure in downtown areas.

CDA requested interested companies and individuals to take detailed competition documents and submission guidelines from the official website of CDA or send an email to request the same. The last date for submission is October 15, 2025, and all inquiries are being processed by the Building & Housing Control Wing of the Authority.