Islamabad to get new heritage cafe, gallery

ISLAMABAD: The Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad has invited bids for constructing and operating a Heritage Cafe and Souvenir Gallery at the Pakistan Monument to mark a major step toward enhancing the visitor experience at the iconic national landmark.

The project will be awarded through competitive bidding to established hospitality groups or well-known café operators, according to the official request for proposals.

MCI said the new facility is designed to showcase Pakistan’s craftsmanship and cultural heritage while offering visitors a serene and visually appealing space.

The authority has, therefore, set strict eligibility criteria to ensure that only credible firms compete. Operators must have at least five years of experience in retail or hospitality and must already be running a minimum of three branded outlets in major cities either in Pakistan or abroad.

The bidders must also show that they have an average annual turnover of Rs. 100 million for the last three years besides submitting audited financial statements.

The bidding documents can be obtained from the Directorate of Municipal Administration, G 7/1, Islamabad, on payment of Rs. 5,000.

MCI has sought sealed technical and financial proposals along with a bid security amounting to Rs. 1 million. The proposals will also have to be uploaded on the E-PADS procurement portal as per the rules of PPRA.

Bids should be submitted no later than December 10, 2025, at 11:30 am and the technical bids are to be opened at noon on the same day.

MCI warned incomplete and late submissions would be rejected, adding that it reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal in accordance with Rule 33 of the PPRA Rules.

The project is designed to raise the standard of tourism at the Pakistan Monument and will offer visitors an excellent cultural, culinary, and retail experience, officials said.