KEY POINTS
- Mohsin Naqvi directs authorities to finalize the design for cricket stadium within ten days.
- The stadium is envisioned as a state-of-the-art, international-standard venue to boost sports tourism.
- Broader urban plan including a smart underpass, Safe City expansion, and a national park.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is planning to build a state-of-the-art cricket stadium in its capital after Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed authorities to finalise the design within 10 days, signalling a major push to upgrade Islamabad’s sports and urban infrastructure.
The announcement came during a high-level review meeting at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) headquarters, where Naqvi laid out a swift and ambitious timeline to fast-track the stadium project.
Upon receiving a briefing about the proposed facility, Minister Naqvi emphasised the need for a state-of-the-art stadium that meets international standards, capable of hosting major domestic and international cricket events.
“The design must reflect modern architectural and sporting requirements,” a senior official familiar with the directive said.
“The goal is to create a landmark venue that boosts sports tourism and provides a premium experience for players and spectators.”
Part of a broader urban vision
While the cricket stadium took centre stage in the meeting, the broader agenda included several key urban development projects aimed at transforming Islamabad into a modern and sustainable metropolis.
Other major decisions included
- Expansion of the Safe City Project with advanced surveillance technology
- Construction of a smart underpass at Kashmir Chowk to ease traffic congestion, with its design also due within ten days
- Allocation of land for a national park to enhance green spaces in the city
- Development of a five-star hotel through partnerships with international firms
- Land allocation for the headquarters of law enforcement agencies, including Rangers and the Federal Constabulary
- Formation of a special team to overhaul solid waste management in the capital
Enforcement and optimization
Minister Naqvi also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing the anti-encroachment drive across the city, emphasizing that retrieved state land would be repurposed for public welfare projects.
He further called for a review of long-vacant commercial plots to ensure optimal utilization of urban land.
The push for a new cricket stadium comes at a time when Pakistan is reasserting itself as a prime destination for international cricket, having recently hosted the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after a gap of nearly three decades.
With the design phase now on a tight deadline, cricket enthusiasts and urban planners alike are keenly watching the next steps as Islamabad prepares to add a modern sporting jewel to its landscape.
