CDA Approves Five Major Development Projects in Islamabad, Including Two 659-Foot and 580-Foot High-Rise Towers in Blue Area

*45-storey and 42-storey skyscrapers proposed for Islamabad’s main commercial district; first tower to feature luxury apartments, penthouses, restaurants and retail outlets; three additional projects approved in Bahria Garden City and Gulberg Greens, subject to technical and regulatory requirements.*

*ISLAMABAD:* The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has granted in-principle approval to five major construction projects in Islamabad, including two high-rise towers measuring approximately 659 feet and 580 feet in height in the city’s prominent commercial district, Blue Area.

The approvals mark a significant step towards promoting vertical development, attracting private investment and transforming Islamabad’s commercial skyline through modern high-rise buildings and mixed-use developments.

According to details released by the CDA on October 24, 2026, the projects were reviewed and granted in-principle approval by the authority’s Design Vetting Committee (DVC) during a meeting chaired by CDA Member Planning and Development Muhammad Umair.

The committee examined the proposed developments in light of applicable planning regulations, technical requirements and construction standards.

*659-Foot Tower to Feature Residential Apartments and Commercial Facilities*

The most prominent project involves the construction of a 45-storey mixed-use building on Plot No. 13, Blue Area, Sector F-8/G-8. The proposed tower will have an approximate height of 659 feet and a total covered area of 557,641 square feet.

According to the proposed design, the building will include five underground floors dedicated to parking, retail outlets at ground level, separate entrance lobbies, dedicated floors for restaurants, residential apartments on upper floors and penthouses at the top of the tower.

The development is designed as a mixed-use project combining commercial, residential and hospitality-related facilities within a single high-rise structure.

*Second Tower to Reach 580 Feet*

The committee also granted in-principle approval to another high-rise project on Plot No. 09, Blue Area, Sector F-9/G-9.

The proposed building will stand approximately 580 feet tall and comprise 42 floors, in addition to additional service floors.

The project is expected to strengthen Blue Area’s position as a major commercial and business centre while supporting the city’s transition towards modern vertical development.

*Three More Projects Approved*

In addition to the two high-rise towers, the Design Vetting Committee granted in-principle approval to three other development projects.

These include:

– Tremezzo Mall in Bahria Garden City. – Plot No. 62 in the Business Park, Gulberg Greens. – Plot No. 108 in Park Avenue North, Gulberg Greens.

Implementation of these projects will remain subject to the removal of relevant technical objections and fulfilment of applicable planning and regulatory requirements.

*CDA Pushes Vertical Development and Private Investment*

The CDA stated that, under the guidance of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the leadership of CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf, the authority is focusing on promoting vertical development, modern commercial buildings, international-standard hotels and greater private-sector investment in the federal capital.

The broader objective is to strengthen Islamabad’s commercial infrastructure, create new business opportunities, attract investors and develop the city as a modern, attractive and environmentally sustainable capital.

CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf reiterated the authority’s commitment to facilitating investors, encouraging private-sector participation, improving land utilisation and expediting the approval process for building plans.

He said the authority was working to create a favourable environment for investors and developers so that modern construction projects could contribute to Islamabad’s planned urban development, economic activity and overall attractiveness.

*Safety and Regulatory Compliance Remain Mandatory*

The CDA has emphasised that the promotion of high-rise construction and private investment will not compromise planning regulations or public safety standards.

All projects must fulfil the applicable legal, technical and regulatory requirements before receiving final approval. These include structural stability, adequate parking facilities, fire-safety arrangements and measures to protect human life.

The in-principle approvals do not constitute final construction permits, and developers will be required to meet all outstanding requirements before proceeding with construction.

*Earlier Approvals Reflect Growing Construction Activity*

The latest approvals follow another major round of development approvals announced by the CDA in August 2026, when its Design Vetting Committee reviewed 37 residential and commercial projects covering a combined area of approximately 6.69 million square feet.

Those projects included 721 commercial shops, 1,981 residential apartments and 362 offices.

The latest decisions indicate the CDA’s continued efforts to expand commercial infrastructure, encourage high-rise construction and promote private investment as part of Islamabad’s long-term urban development strategy.