ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s capital is moving towards a new phase of urban development, with plans for an international cricket stadium, a large safari park and a theme park backed by Saudi investors, while the newly built Islamabad Model Jail prepares to receive its first prisoners and the Kashmir Chowk Underpass advances towards completion.
In line with the vision of Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, CDA’s Efforts Continue to Transform Islamabad into a Modern, Developed and Green Capital. Establishment of Three Modern Sports Arenas Underway which have appreciated by Citizen
In line with the vision of Federal Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and under the effective supervision of CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is undertaking comprehensive measures to promote Islamabad’s development, prosperity and beautification while providing modern facilities to its residents. Citizens have particularly appreciated CDA’s initiative to establish three modern sports arenas in Islamabad, recognizing the importance of international-standard sports facilities in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and healthy activities, particularly among young people. The initiative is expected to provide greater opportunities for sporting activities, encourage emerging talent and promote a healthier lifestyle among residents. Through timely and accelerated development, the recovery of billions of rupees worth of public land, urban beautification, plantation drives, improved water supply, solid waste management, the establishment of three modern sports arenas, and the upgradation of parks, including Lake View Park, CDA is working to transform Pakistan’s federal capital into a modern, economically vibrant and world-class city. This comprehensive development agenda goes beyond routine maintenance, focusing on the timely completion of major projects, modern urban mobility and the preservation of Islamabad’s green identity.
*Under the leadership of Federal Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and the effective supervision of CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf, Islamabad’s rapid development has received appreciation at various levels. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif laid the foundation stone of the Kashmir Chowk Underpass and commended Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf and CDA teams for setting a target to complete the project within one month. This initiative reflects CDA’s commitment to executing development projects efficiently and expeditiously while maintaining engineering standards and ensuring public safety.*
To reduce traffic congestion and improve the urban transportation system, CDA has completed several important underpass and road rehabilitation projects. These include the Margalla Road and Ninth Avenue underpasses, which have helped improve traffic flow. In addition, projects such as the Shaheen Chowk Underpass and Faisal Avenue Underpass have contributed to improving connectivity between residential and commercial areas.
CDA has also completed road resurfacing and pedestrian pathway improvement works in various commercial and residential areas, including the F-series and G-series sectors and the Blue Area.
Building on these achievements, CDA is accelerating work on several major projects aimed at upgrading the capital’s infrastructure to meet future requirements and reclaiming valuable public assets. The Kashmir Chowk Underpass, being constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.4 billion, is an important project designed to improve traffic flow between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Work is also underway on the construction of the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East and the upgradation of infrastructure in the Diplomatic Enclave to provide improved facilities for residents and the diplomatic community.
*CDA has also reclaimed more than 1,000 kanals of valuable public land in Sector E-12 that had remained under encroachment for decades. The recovered land is valued at billions of rupees. This achievement has paved the way for the comprehensive development of Sector E-12 and construction activities in accordance with the approved master plan.*
— Capital Development Authority – CDA, Islamabad (@CDAthecapital) October 11, 2026
The projects form part of broader efforts to modernise Islamabad, improve public facilities, attract investment and strengthen the capital’s appeal as a destination for domestic and international visitors. If implemented as planned, the tourism developments could generate employment, support hospitality and transport businesses, encourage private investment and create new recreational opportunities for residents.
However, according to an official of Capital Development Authority (CDA), city’s civic agency, the projects are at different stages of development, and their economic and tourism benefits will depend on implementation, funding, environmental safeguards and the announcement of clear construction and completion schedules.
International cricket stadium planned near Margalla Hills
One of the capital’s major proposed sports facilities is an international cricket stadium near Sector D-12, at the foothills of the Margalla Hills.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA), working with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has advanced the procurement process for the project, estimated to cost Rs11.4 billion. In March 2026, two joint ventures submitted technical bids for the construction contract.
🚨 Islamabad Cricket Stadium Design Revealed!
The official design of Islamabad Cricket Stadium has been revealed, which will have a seating capacity of 35,000 spectators. Construction is expected to begin soon.
How would you rate this stadium design out of 10? 👀🏏 https://t.co/SLRRmKtM3n
— CricFollow (@CricFollow56) October 12, 2026
According to details, the proposed stadium is expected to accommodate around 32,000 spectators, with parking facilities for approximately 10,000 vehicles planned about one kilometre from the venue for the general public. The design is intended to offer views of the Margalla Hills, with the project drawing inspiration from the Dubai cricket stadium model.
Read Also: Pakistan Fast-Tracks Plan for State-of-the-Art Cricket Stadium in Islamabad
The stadium could provide Islamabad with a dedicated venue for international cricket, domestic tournaments and other sporting events. It may also increase demand for hotels, restaurants, transport services and other businesses during major matches.
Islamabad to Get a New Cricket Stadium!
A 35,000-seat cricket stadium is planned near D-12 at the foothills of the Margalla Hills, inspired by Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Construction is expected to begin soon. https://t.co/JcsWi9xvlX
— Defence Insight Pakistan (@PKDefGrid) October 24, 2026
Hosting international fixtures could bring visiting teams, officials, media personnel and supporters to the capital, creating opportunities for tourism-related businesses. However, the project’s confirmed construction start and completion dates have not been established in the available announcements.
Safari Park proposed for Malpur
Islamabad is also planning a safari park intended to expand the capital’s family recreation and nature-based tourism options.
The CDA has identified the Malpur Forestry Park area as a proposed location, with a feasibility study and engineering design being prepared by a consultant. According to officials, the proposed site covered around 360 acres, with the safari park planned as an addition to the existing forested area.
Proposed Design for the first ever Wildlife Safari Park in Islamabad.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is bringing Pakistan’s First World-Class Wildlife Safari Park.
Spanning over a massive 350 Acres near Bara Kahu, Murree Road, this landmark project is designed to bring the world’s unique wild experiences to Pakistan.This mega-project is set to redefine sustainable eco-friendly tourism, wildlife protection, and family entertainment in Islamabad.
— Capital Development Authority – CDA, Islamabad (@CDAthecapital) June 28, 2026
The project’s estimated cost was previously put at approximately Rs10 billion, while an earlier government estimate envisaged an 18-month development period. The authority has indicated that tendering would follow completion of the feasibility study and engineering design.
Read Also: Pakistan’s Capital Islamabad Set to Get 350-Acre Safari Park
Separately, Pakistan interior minister Mohsin Naqvi also announced plans for a 450-acre safari park, meaning the final area and project scope require clarification as planning advances.
We are going to build Asia’s largest safari park in Islamabad : Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
#MohsinNaqvi #Islamabad #AsiaLargestSafariPark #WildlifePark https://t.co/P9p4nFmz4x— APP (@appcsocialmedia) October 23, 2026
The proposed facility could offer visitors opportunities to experience wildlife in a forest environment and provide families with another destination beyond the capital’s existing parks and hiking areas. Its design will need to account for animal welfare, habitat suitability, conservation requirements, visitor safety and protection of the surrounding environment.
If developed sustainably, the safari park could support tourism, create jobs and encourage longer visits to Islamabad. Its actual contribution will depend on the final design, species selection, environmental assessment, investment and operating arrangements.
Saudi investors to finance proposed theme park
The proposed theme park received a new push after the CDA signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi investors on October 25, 2026.
The agreement was signed by CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf and Prince Mansour bin Mohammed Al Saud, chairman of the Saudi-Pakistan Business Council, at a ceremony in Lahore attended by Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Under the proposed arrangement, Saudi investors will finance the project, while the CDA will provide land for its development.
اسلام آباد میں پاکستان کا پہلا تھیم پارک، سعودی سرمایہ کاری سے منصوبہ مکمل ہوگا!
پاکستان کا اپنی نوعیت کا پہلا تھیم پارک اسلام آباد میں بنانے کے لیے اہم پیش رفت ہوئی ہے۔ سعودی سرمایہ کار منصوبے میں سرمایہ کاری کریں گے، جبکہ سی ڈی اے اراضی فراہم کرے گی۔ معاہدے کا مقصد جدید تفریحی سہولتوں کو فروغ دینا ہے۔
#Islamabad #SaudiInvestment #ThemePark
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) October 26, 2026
Naqvi welcomed the agreement and described the project as a potentially transformative initiative for the capital. He also said a real estate investment roadshow was planned in Saudi Arabia in the coming months to promote investment opportunities in Pakistan.
Read Also: Saudi Investors to Finance Pakistan’s First Modern Theme Park
The theme park is expected to add a major entertainment attraction to Islamabad, potentially offering new opportunities for family recreation and tourism. Depending on its eventual design and facilities, it could also support employment in operations, hospitality, retail, food services and transport.
Islamabad to have Pakistan’s First-Ever Theme Park.
A major investment milestone of Mohsin Naqvi, Minister for Interior. Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf and Saudi-Pakistan Business Council Chairman Prince Mansour bin Mohammed Al Saud signed an MoU for the project, Saudi investors will finance the project, while CDA will provide the land, creating new opportunities for tourism, recreation, and investment in Islamabad.
#Islamabad #CDA #SaudiPakistanRelations #Investment #ThemePark— Capital Development Authority – CDA, Islamabad (@CDAthecapital) October 26, 2026
However, the MoU announcement did not disclose the park’s location, investment value, size, attractions, construction schedule or expected opening date. According to officials, these details will be shared in days to come.
Islamabad Model Jail to receive first 1,500 prisoners
Alongside the planned tourism attractions, the newly built Islamabad Model Jail in Sector H-16 is nearing its operational phase.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was expected to inaugurate the facility within the next two to four days, after which the first batch of 1,500 prisoners would be transferred from Adiala Jail in November.
Speaking during a visit to the facility, Naqvi said another 3,000 to 4,000 prisoners would be shifted during the second phase. Lists of undertrial detainees and other prisoners belonging to Islamabad had already been finalised, he added.
وفاقی وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی نے اسلام آباد ماڈل جیل کی تکمیل کا اعلان کیا ہے۔
@MohsinnaqviC42 @MOIOfficialPak
@CDAthecapital @GovtofPakistan
@ICT_Police #IslamabadModelPrison
#RadioPakistan #News
https://t.co/lUsTzDLdLK https://t.co/Fp6zogDPu5— ریڈیوپاکستان (@PBCofficialNews) October 27, 2026
The minister described the jail as having been built to international standards and thanked those involved in completing the long-delayed project.
Asked whether Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan could also be transferred to the new facility, Naqvi said prisoners belonging to Islamabad would be moved there.
During the visit, the minister also sampled the food prepared for prisoners, including lentils, and asked accompanying officers to taste it.
The facility is intended to accommodate prisoners whose cases are being heard by courts in Islamabad, reducing the need to house them in a jail outside the capital. Its operational arrangements and phased transfers will determine how quickly it begins serving its intended purpose.
Kashmir Chowk underpass could be completed in under 30 days
In a separate development, Naqvi inspected construction work on the Kashmir Chowk Underpass and expressed satisfaction with the pace of progress.
The project, launched on October 7, is estimated to cost Rs1.4 billion and is designed to improve traffic flow at a busy junction connecting routes towards Rawalpindi and Murree.
The CDA has said the junction handles approximately 107,000 vehicles, contributing to congestion and delays, particularly during peak hours. The project includes dedicated underpass movements and four new slip roads to improve traffic distribution.
During his visit on Tuesday, Naqvi said the underpass could be completed in less than 30 days if construction continued at the existing pace. The deadline remains dependent on continued progress and completion of the remaining work.
Once operational, the underpass is expected to improve connectivity and reduce traffic conflicts at the junction, potentially making journeys easier for residents and visitors travelling through the capital.
Read Also: Pakistan Unveils 1,000 Acre Manhattan Style City Plan in Islamabad
Tourism growth depends on delivery and sustainable planning
Together, the proposed stadium, safari park and theme park could broaden Islamabad’s appeal beyond its established reputation for scenic landscapes, hiking trails, monuments and government institutions.
A major cricket venue could attract sports fans and international delegations, while a safari park and theme park could encourage family tourism and create reasons for visitors to stay longer. The resulting demand could benefit accommodation providers, restaurants, retailers, transport operators and local businesses.
Read Also: Islamabad Outranks London, New York in Quality of Life
The projects could also generate direct and indirect employment, although the number of jobs and the scale of investment have yet to be established publicly for several of the initiatives.
Their long-term success will depend on transparent project planning, realistic timelines, adequate transport and parking, reliable utilities, accessible public facilities and responsible management of Islamabad’s green spaces.
