CDA focuses on recreation and entertainment

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) of Islamabad is making a major push to develop venues for recreation and entertainment in Islamabad. This push materialized in the form of three separate initiatives it has undertaken recently.

In August 2026, news reports indicated that CDA is planning to auction 15 sites in Lake View Park Phase II, a 104-acre site located on the shore of Rawal Lake of Islamabad. Lake View Park Phase II is a specialized site set aside to improve Islamabad’s tourism and adventure footprint. Out of the 15 sites, 10 sites had been auctioned off previously in 2007 in a controversial process. The leases for these sites expired in 2023 and they are now up for auctioning once more. The other 5 sites will be added to these for the auction. CDA is committing that this lease process will be carried out properly as per PPRA (Punjab Procurement Regulation Authority) guidelines. The auction notices for these sites have bene officially published.

In a similar vein, CDA is now considering a proposal to create a Safari Park in Malpur area of Islamabad. Islamabad used to have a zoo, called Marghazar Zoo which was shut down on the orders of IHC (Islamabad High Court) after several cases of negligence and mismanagement were reported. CDA had previously shown intent to revive the zoo and is now instead hiring an international consultant to oversee the planning and development of the Safari Park.

And this month i.e. in September 2026, CDA announced a project to establish three sports arenas in Islamabad. The arenas are planned to cover about 4.2 acres in D-12/1 area of Islamabad, about 3.5 acres in G-11/3 Markaz area and around 3.2 acres in F-8 Markaz area. The arenas are planned to contain many sports facilities including padel arenas, indoor swimming pools and futsal courts among others. The idea is to provide young people with opportunities for physical fitness and sports while locating such facilities around the city for ease of accessibility.