ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has taken steps towards the construction of a cricket stadium in Islamabad, a long-debated project originally part of the capital’s 1960 master plan. The decision was made during a CDA board meeting chaired by Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa on Thursday, although the exact site for the stadium is yet to be determined.
CDA spokesperson Shahid Kiani confirmed that the board had given principal approval for the stadium’s construction. However, the board directed the preparation of a feasibility study to identify an appropriate location. “The site has not been finalised yet, but the project has been approved in principle,” Mr. Kiani stated.
Historical Background of the Shakarparian Site
The proposal revives earlier debates surrounding the construction of a cricket stadium at Shakarparian, a location designated as a sports center in the 1960 master plan by Greek firm Doxiadis Associates. The area spans 2,250 acres and already houses facilities like the Pakistan Sports Complex, a museum, Lok Virsa, and Islamabad Club. However, a 1979 ordinance reclassified the site as part of the Margalla Hills National Park, barring construction activities.
The issue came to a head in 2018 when the Supreme Court halted a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) project to build a stadium in the same area. Sources indicate that the CDA is now considering excluding the original sports center from the national park’s boundaries to honor the master plan’s vision. If approved, the matter will require federal government intervention to revoke the 1979 ordinance.
Alternatively, the CDA previously suggested constructing the stadium near Sector D-12 in the foothills of the Margallas, though that site remains under consideration.
Planned Establishment of Daanish University
The CDA board also discussed plans to allocate approximately 50 acres of land for the construction of Daanish University in Islamabad. Two potential sites are under review—one adjacent to the Daanish School in Kuri and another in Sector I-17. If approved, the land will be allocated to the Ministry of Education under rates designated for educational institutions, after which the Higher Education Commission (HEC) will oversee the development of the university.
Key Administrative Decisions
Thursday’s board meeting addressed other administrative matters as well. The board approved the allotment of land to the National Police Academy for the establishment of a police university and took a major step toward digital transformation by deciding to implement the SAP accounting system. The new system will use double-entry accounting to enhance financial management within the CDA. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Controller General of Pakistan is expected to be signed next week for its implementation.
Additionally, CDA Chairman Randhawa instructed that the authority’s first corporate-style financial report be prepared by the close of the fiscal year. The report will detail achievements, targets, and the current state of CDA’s finances. The board also set a deadline to compile an inventory of CDA’s rented properties and directed that cash payments for services be phased out, pushing for fully cashless transactions. Already, 165 services at CDA’s one-window operation and water tanker charges have been made cashless.
Future Outlook
The CDA board will revisit the cricket stadium proposal in its next meeting. If the Shakarparian option is considered, the federal government’s involvement will be crucial. For now, Islamabad awaits its long-discussed, dedicated cricket facility, while efforts to enhance the city’s educational and administrative infrastructure continue.
