“Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa Leads Soft Launch of Gandhara Heritage Project in Islamabad”
thefridaynews 
Press Release
ISLAMABAD: (June 4, 2025): Chairman CDA, Chief Commissioner Islamabad and DG Civil Defense Muhammad Ali Randhawa chaired a soft launching ceremony of the Gandhara Heritage and Citizen Center at F-9 Park, Islamabad as a chief guest. The pre-launch event was attended by CDA Board members of administration, finance, environment, planning, and engineering, member technology along with representatives from hotel industry operators and investors. The purpose of the soft launch was to operationalize the Gandhara Heritage and Citizen Center under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Chairman CDA said that such projects are being initiated in Islamabad for the first time, marking an unprecedented development. To ensure the project’s success, CDA is relying on top financial transaction advisors, including the Best firms. Currently, the renowned architect Nayyar Ali Dada and other firms are collaborating with CDA and have developed a comprehensive model for making it functional. He said that the revenue generated from such ventures will be reinvested in the welfare of Islamabad’s citizens, providing them with better facilities. Funds will be allocated and utilised for the beautification, maintenance and upgradation of the assets generating the income including the improvement of F-9 Park a vision fully aligned with the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Federal Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi’s goal of maximizing revenue of CDA through its asset optimization.
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhwa said that the project will be executed professionally, prioritizing heritage, cultural significance and green spaces. All revenue generated will be reinvested into the project. He said that such initiatives also create employment opportunities and activate underutilized assets.
Chairman CDA mentioned that CDA has collaborated with Nayyar Ali Dada, a leading name in the market, to operate the project under a joint venture. Transparency will be ensured at every stage with strict adherence to regulations. The goal is to make this initiative in Islamabad as most successful project, serving as a model for other cities.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) has been issued for the project, inviting ideas and collaboration. Chairman CDA assured that the project will be completed within six months, providing citizens with best facilities rather than letting valuable assets deteriorate.
Chairman CDA thanked PPP representatives and teams working on the project, aligning with Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi’s vision to operationalize underutilized government assets and increase CDA’s revenue. By the next fiscal year, the Gandhara Heritage and Citizen Center will be fully operational.
Chairman CDA stressed that the government cannot work alone—private sector support is crucial not only for this project but also for future initiatives. He revealed plans for additional hotel projects, including premium locations aiming to develop world-class, five-star hotels to boost Islamabad’s hospitality industry.
In July, more projects will be offered, following the model of joint ventures and PPP. Chairman CDA concluded by stating that this is not the last project and encouraged all stakeholders to contribute ideas, working together to make Islamabad a modern, beautiful, and digitized capital.
About The Author
