CDA Design Vetting Committee Grants In-Principle Approval to Five Major Projects, Including Two High-Rise Towers of Up to 659 Feet in Blue Area

Date: Oct 25, 2026

ISLAMABAD, October 24, 2026: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has taken a significant step towards transforming Islamabad's skyline and promoting vertical development, as its Design Vetting Committee (DVC) granted in-principle approval to five major building projects, including two high-rise towers in the city's prime commercial hub, Blue Area. On the directions of Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Federal Minister for Interior, and under the leadership of Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf, with the supervision of Member Planning CDA Muhammad Umair, the Authority is committed to accelerating Islamabad's development, facilitating investment and encouraging businesses, investors and other stakeholders to participate in a wide range of development projects across the capital. CDA is particularly focusing on promoting high rise buildings, modern commercial plazas and hotels meeting international standards to strengthen the city's commercial infrastructure, create new business opportunities and enhance its appeal as a tourist destination. The broader vision is to transform Islamabad into a more developed, beautiful, modern, tourist-friendly and environmentally sustainable capital of Pakistan while maintaining its distinctive character and green spaces. The in-principle approvals were granted during a meeting of the Design Vetting Committee chaired by CDA Member (Planning & Development) Muhammad Umair, where the proposed developments were reviewed in accordance with applicable planning regulations, technical requirements and building standards. The most prominent proposal is a 45-storey mixed-use tower, approximately 659 feet high, planned for Plot No. 13, Blue Area (Sector F-8/G-8). With its proposed height and scale, the building would rank among the tallest developments ever proposed in the federal capital. Covering approximately 557,641 square feet, the project features five multi-level basement parking floors, ground-floor retail outlets with separate entrance lobbies, dedicated restaurant floors, residential apartments on the upper levels and penthouses at the top. The Committee also granted in-principle approval to a second high-rise development at Plot No. 09, Blue Area (Sector F-9/G-9). The proposed tower will rise approximately 580 feet and comprise 42 storeys, along with additional service floors, further reinforcing Blue Area's potential as a centre for modern commercial activity and vertical development. In addition to the two landmark towers, the Committee considered and granted in-principle approval to three other projects, subject to compliance with technical observations and applicable regulations. These include Tremezzo Mall in Bahria Garden City, Plot No. 62 in Business Park, Gulberg Greens, and Plot No. 108 in Park Avenue North, Gulberg Greens. Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf reiterated its commitment to facilitating investment, encouraging private-sector participation, promoting modern construction and efficient land use, and streamlining the building plan approval process. The CDA aims to provide an enabling environment for investors and developers while ensuring that new projects contribute to Islamabad's planned urban growth, economic activity and overall attractiveness. The CDA further emphasized that the promotion of investment and high rise construction will go hand in hand with strict adherence to planning parameters, structural stability requirements, adequate parking provisions, and fire and life-safety standards. All projects will be required to fulfil applicable regulatory and technical requirements before receiving final approval. Under the leadership of Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf and the supervision of Member Planning Muhammad Umair, CDA will continue working to facilitate investors and stakeholders, encourage development projects of international standards and support a vision of Islamabad as a modern, prosperous, aesthetically appealing, tourist friendly and environmentally responsible capital of Pakistan.