ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa on Sunday said under the ongoing renovation work Jinnah Convention Centre would be made an exemplary venue for hosting international and national events.

In preparation for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, the CDA chief reviewed the renovation and upgradation work at the centre.

“The refurbishment and upgradation work is going on round the clock under the supervision of top architects to ensure state-of-the art work. During the visit, the chairman was briefed about various improvements being made aimed at bringing the convention centre at a par with the international standards,” said a press release issued by the CDA.

It said the CDA chief was told that the Convention Centre was undergoing a complete transformation into a smart building. The upgrades include the installation of state-of-the-art equipment such as SMD screens, digital boards and advanced conferencing systems. Additionally, modern lighting and high-speed internet facilities will be provided to ensure smooth operations during national and international events.

Renovation work continues on urgent basis to host SCO meeting; officials unsure if tender floated for project

The ongoing upgradation project covers the renovation of the main hall, committee rooms and the corridors. The flooring, paint, glasswork and repairs are being executed to enhance the overall ambiance of the facility. Furniture and carpets are also being replaced with premium quality materials.

The Chairman CDA was also told that landscaping and horticultural efforts were underway around the building.

It is relevant to note that millions of rupees are being spent on the upgradation work. However, it is yet to be determined whether the CDA has called a tender for starting the project or it is being conducted without it. Some officials of the civic agency said work was being conducted without formal tendering. They said the building was being renovated on an urgent basis to host the SCO meeting and after its completion it will be handed over to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Another official said may be the federal government or a foreign country pay to the CDA for the renovation work.

“At this stage, I can’t say about the volume of funds being utilised for this project, but a massive amount is being spent as the centre has around 200,000 square feet covered area and 101 toilets which are being renovated with new tiles and sanitary works. Such a huge work defiantly requires huge funds,” he said.

The Convention Centre is located at one end of the Constitution Avenue and is used as a venue for exhibitions and summits by private and public sector organisations.

According to CDA officials Dawn spoke to, the centre was constructed in 1996 with bridge financing - the CDA funded the construction and later the federal government reimbursed the amount to it.

In recent years, the government on the recommendations of the cabinet committee on privatization also tried to auction the building.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2024