ISAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) board approves the construction of a cricket stadium in Islamabad and plans to build a Daanish University for students.
As per the newspaper report, CDA is again planning to build a cricket stadium, the original master plan of 1960 had designated Shakarparian for this purpose.
As per report, the CDA is also considering allocating 50 acres of land in I-17 for the construction of Daanish University. These proposals were discussed in a CDA board meeting chaired by Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa on Thursday.
CDA spokesperson Shahid Kiani said the board approved the stadium project in principle, but the location is yet to be decided. The board has directed a feasibility study to find a suitable site.
History of Shakarparian as a Sports Area:
The Pakistan Sports Complex and other sports facilities were built in the Shakarparian area. However, in 1979, an ordinance declared the area a national park, stopping all construction. In 2018, the Supreme Court canceled a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) project to build a stadium there.
Islamabad’s master plan, prepared in 1960 by Greek firm Doxiadis Associates, had designated 2,250 acres for a sports center. Over the years, a sports complex, museum, Lok Virsa, golf course, and Islamabad Club were built in this area.
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The CDA board will discuss the stadium project again in its next meeting. If approved for Shakarparian, the matter will go to the federal government to withdraw the 1979 notification and restore the area’s sports status.
A few years ago, CDA had suggested building a cricket stadium near Sector D-12 at the foot of the Margalla Hills. The Margalla Hills National Park includes three areas: Margalla Hills, Shakarparian, and the sports center land. CDA wants to remove the sports center from the national park in line with the original master plan.
Plans for Daanish University in Islamabad and Other Projects:
CDA is planning to set aside 50 acres for Daanish University in Islamabad. Two options are being considered: land near Daanish School in Kuri or a site in I-17. If approved by the CDA board, the land will be offered to the Ministry of Education at rates fixed for educational institutions. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) will then construct the university.
A CDA press release after the meeting confirmed that the board approved land allotment to the National Police Academy for setting up a police university.
The board also decided to implement the SAP accounting system for better financial management. The system will be a double-entry accounting system. CDA will sign an agreement with the Controller General of Pakistan next week for its implementation.
By the end of the financial year, CDA will compile an inventory of its assets and prepare a corporate-style financial report. The report will include the authority’s achievements and targets.
A committee, led by the Member Finance and including directors from land, municipal administration, and building control, will identify CDA’s rented properties.
The board also decided that CDA payments will be cashless. Payments for 165 services at the one-window facility have already been made cashless, along with water tanker charges.
