Islamabad is preparing to welcome a major new landmark — the Islamabad Convention, Exhibition & Expo Centre (ICEEC) — a state-of-the-art facility that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) says will be the biggest of its kind in the country.
Why Islamabad Needs a New Venue
For decades, the Jinnah Convention Centre (JCC) has been the go-to venue for government, business, and civic events in the capital. But as Islamabad’s population and business activity expand, the JCC has struggled to keep up. Organizers frequently complain about outdated infrastructure, limited space, and severe parking shortages. The city’s growing demand for large-scale exhibitions and conferences has made the need for a modern replacement hard to ignore.
The Vision for ICEEC
CDA has set aside a 40-acre site for the new project within Islamabad Capital Territory. Plans outline a 320,000 square-foot complex featuring climate-resilient design, integrated hybrid technologies for modern event formats, and a multi-level car park with space for over 1,000 vehicles. The development also promises international-standard hospitality facilities to position the capital as a regional hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions — commonly referred to as the MICE industry.
Launching Through Design Competition
To shape the project, CDA has opened a National Architectural Design Competition. Registered architects and firms under the Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP) are invited to submit proposals that balance innovation with sustainability and contextual relevance. A Selection Committee will shortlist entries before a designated jury makes the final call.
The submission deadline is October 15, 2025, and interested participants can access detailed guidelines through the CDA website or via email requests to the Authority’s Building & Housing Control Wing.
What It Means for the Capital
If completed as envisioned, ICEEC will not only ease pressure on the overstretched Jinnah Convention Centre but also give Islamabad a chance to compete with regional capitals in hosting international exhibitions and conferences. Beyond prestige, the project could also stimulate business tourism, bringing new opportunities for local service industries and creating a ripple effect in the city’s economy.
