Islamabad to Build International-Standard Mall and Hotel Ahead of SCO Summit

Islamabad is set to gain a new international-standard shopping mall as part of a broader effort to upgrade the capital's hospitality and commercial facilities ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The development is planned in a building next to One Constitution Avenue, where authorities also intend to convert the existing project into an international-standard hotel.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reviewed the proposals during a meeting focused on improving Islamabad's hospitality sector, according to officials briefed on the One Constitution Avenue project. Naqvi said a comprehensive development plan is being prepared in consultation with an international hotel chain, and he directed the relevant authorities to ensure construction work begins on January 1.

The meeting also examined ways to complete under-construction hotels before the SCO summit and to raise the standards and facilities of existing hotels across the city. Naqvi instructed officials to maintain regular contact with hotel owners, address their concerns, and explore partnership opportunities between local hotels and international chains.

In addition, the minister called for special training courses to prepare skilled workers for the hospitality sector before the new hotels become operational. The meeting further reviewed plans to renovate the Convention Centre and construct a new hall as part of the city's preparations for the summit.

The planned mall and hotel upgrade reflects Islamabad's push to strengthen its commercial and tourism infrastructure as it prepares to host a major international gathering. Officials said the measures are intended to leave a lasting improvement in the capital's hospitality standards beyond the summit itself.