By Asad Cheema
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Wednesday soft-launched the ambitious Gandhara Heritage and Citizen Center at F-9 Park, marking a new era of public-private collaboration in the federal capital.
CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, who also serves as Chief Commissioner Islamabad and DG Civil Defense, presided over the ceremony attended by key CDA board members, leading hoteliers, investors, and renowned architect Nayyar Ali Dada.
The pioneering project will operate under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with design led by Nayyar Ali Dada & Associates. Officials confirmed the center will be fully operational by next fiscal year, with special emphasis on heritage preservation and maintaining green spaces.
Chairman Randhawa called this a “first-of-its-kind initiative for Islamabad,” explaining that revenues generated will be reinvested in city beautification and F-9 Park upgrades.
The project aligns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s policy of optimizing government assets.
The CDA chief guaranteed strict regulatory compliance and announced a six-month completion deadline.
He highlighted the project’s potential to create employment opportunities by activating underutilized assets.
Looking ahead, officials revealed plans for new hotel projects in premium locations starting July 2025, with more PPP ventures in the pipeline to support Islamabad’s transformation into a model modern capital.
The Authority has currently opened Expressions of Interest for investor participation, with project documents available at CDA headquarters.
Chairman Randhawa emphasized this launch marks just the beginning of Islamabad’s development journey, urging private sector participation to realize the capital’s full potential.
The Gandhara Heritage and Citizen Center will feature cultural exhibition spaces, sustainable architecture, citizen recreation facilities, and commercial zones for local businesses, creating a multifaceted public space in the heart of the city.
Earlier this month, In celebration of Vesak Day 2025, a roundtable and book launching ceremony was held today at the Kohsar Block, Pak Secretariat. Rrganised by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) in collaboration with the Silk Road Centre and i-DOT COOL, the event brought together scholars, government officials, and cultural stakeholders.
The gathering marked a significant cultural milestone under the Gandhara Culture & Tourism Festival 2025, reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to preserving its Buddhist heritage and strengthening historical ties with the Republic of Korea.
The highlight of the event was the official launch of the book titled “Tracing the Journey of the Ancient Korean Monk Hyecho”, authored by Dr Kyosoon Park (Esther) with Dr Muhammad Iqbal Chawla. The book narrates the spiritual journey of Monk Hyecho, who travelled from Korea to the Gandhara region in the 8th century, revealing the shared Buddhist legacy between the two nations.
In his welcome remarks, Managing Director of PTDC, Aftabur Rehman Rana, appreciated the efforts of Dr Kyosoon Park and Dr Muhammad Iqbal Chawla for contributing this remarkable book which will be greatly helpful in the promotion of Buddhist heritage and religious tourism in Pakistan.
