New Islamabad Convention Center Project Put on Hold Ahead of SCO Summit
Plans to construct a new convention center in Islamabad ahead of the 2027 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit have reportedly been put on hold, according to sources.
The proposed project was intended to provide a new venue for the major international summit, which Pakistan is scheduled to host in Islamabad next year.
Rs. 37 Billion Project Delayed
A Chinese company had submitted a bid worth approximately Rs. 37 billion for construction of the proposed convention center.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) had sought to have the project completed before September 2027, when the SCO Council of Heads of State summit is scheduled to take place.
However, the company informed the CDA that completing the entire project within a single year would not be feasible.
Following the concerns over the construction timeline, authorities have decided to put the new convention center project on hold.
Existing Convention Center May Be Renovated
With the new construction plan delayed, the CDA is now preparing to invite bids for the renovation and refurbishment of the existing convention center.
The objective is to upgrade the current facility and prepare it to host the SCO summit in September 2027.
The renovation plan could allow authorities to improve the venue without waiting for the completion of a completely new building.
Pakistan to Host SCO Summit in 2027
Pakistan assumed the SCO chairmanship for 2026–27 in September and is scheduled to host the organisation’s Council of Heads of State summit in Islamabad in September 2027.
The event is expected to bring heads of state and government from SCO member countries to Pakistan.
Preparations for the summit are already underway, covering key areas such as venue arrangements, accommodation, security, transportation and other logistical requirements.
Focus Shifts to Timely Preparations
The decision to put the new convention center project on hold shifts the immediate focus toward upgrading existing infrastructure.
Renovating the current convention center could provide authorities with a more practical option for preparing the venue within the available timeframe.
Further details about the refurbishment project and the tender process are expected to emerge once the CDA formally invites bids.
