The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Friday approved the construction of a modern convention center and Islamabad’s first seven-star .

The meeting, chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, confirmed that the new Islamabad Convention, Expo and Exhibition Center will be completed within 18 months.

Randhawa assured that all components of the project would be executed according to high standards and within the stipulated timeline.

The convention center—costing Rs 19.37 billion—will serve as a hub for national and international events. Its design includes space for expos, trade fairs, and large-scale exhibitions, expanding Islamabad’s capacity to host major gatherings.

SCO summit 2027

In preparation for the upcoming SCO Summit in 2027, CDA has also advanced plans to build the first-ever seven-star hotel in the federal capital.

The hotel will be located in Islamabad’s Red Zone and is expected to feature world-class conference halls, seminar halls, banquet halls, and luxury rooms.

To move the project forward, CDA has invited international firms to participate through a public-private partnership or joint venture model. An international tender has already been issued to attract global investors.

The hotel will include multi-storey parking and modern security systems to meet international standards for high-profile delegations.

In addition to the major development projects, the meeting approved the construction of six steel pedestrian bridges at various locations in Islamabad. These bridges will be built at a cost of Rs 5.74 billion, improving pedestrian safety and mobility across the city.