CDA board approves plan for cricket stadium in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved the construction of a cricket stadium in Islamabad, with the Shakarparian area initially proposed for the site.

During the meeting held on Thursday, the CDA board decided on the construction of the stadium at a feasible place, but the site is yet to be finalised.

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As per details, the civic body discussed Islamabad’s original master plan of 1960, which suggests Shakarparian for the stadium site. However, the ordinance passed in 1979 included the area in the Margalla National Park, and construction activities were prohibited in the area.

The Margalla Hills National Park comprises Margalla Hills, Shakaparian, and the sports centre land along with the area falling within a two-kilometer radius of Rawal Dam.

Earlier in 2018, the issue of construction within the national park was also raised when the Supreme Court denied the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to build a stadium in the area.

Considering this, the CDA board has decided to discuss the matter in detail regarding the establishment of the stadium in Shakarparian, and if it was agreed then the matter would be referred to the federal government to withdraw the 1979 notification.

Apart from that, the CDA board is also considering the construction of Daanish University Islamabad, and for that around 50 acres will be allocated in the I-17 sector.

As per procedure, if the CDA board agrees land would be offered to the Ministry of Education on rates reserved for educational institutions. The Ministry of Education through HEC will then construct the university.

Meanwhile, the CDA board also approved the allotment of land to the National Police Academy for the establishment of a police university.