**Islamabad’s CDA Achieves Record Rs. 17 Billion on First Day of Landmark Commercial Plot Auction**
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) made history with the record-breaking sale of six commercial plots totaling Rs. 17.14 billion on the first day of its three-day open auction held at Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad. The highly anticipated event marked unprecedented investor confidence in the CDA’s transparent auction procedures and the policies implemented under Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, as well as Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi.
Supervised personally by Chairman Randhawa, the auction saw remarkable bidding activity from investors, especially for plots in the coveted Blue Area (G-8). Plot No. 13 fetched approximately Rs. 7.24 billion, while Plot No. 14 brought in around Rs. 4.16 billion, and Plot No. 12 secured a bid of roughly Rs. 3.60 billion. Plots in Sector I-14 also attracted strong investor interest, with Plot No. 3-A auctioned for nearly Rs. 749.32 million, Plot No. 3B fetching Rs. 709.32 million, and Plot No. 10A securing Rs. 669.32 million.
The grand commercial auction, which also includes retail space in Blue Area’s parking plaza, will continue over three days, offering 46 plots and shops from various key commercial hubs of Islamabad through an open and transparent bidding process. High investor turnout has been attributed to the CDA’s commitment to transparent operations and the robust supervisory role played by officials including Member Estate Talat Mahmood, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, and Member Planning Dr. Khalid Hafiz. Additionally, a dedicated committee chaired by Member Finance Tahir Naeem, and comprising senior directors across multiple functions, was put in place to ensure the integrity of the proceedings.
To further facilitate investors and the business community, the CDA organized an Investment Expo alongside the auction, providing information booths from the Environment Wing, Planning & Resource Wing, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), and the Sports & Culture Directorate. Chairman Randhawa emphasized the need for delivering maximum convenience to investors, launching incentives such as a 5% rebate for lump-sum payments made within one month, and an additional 5% rebate for such payments made in US dollars. The CDA’s facilitation team was available on-site to provide end-to-end guidance throughout the auction process.
In his address to investors and the business community, Chairman Randhawa expressed gratitude for the overwhelming participation, describing it as clear evidence of confidence in the CDA’s fair and transparent approach. He highlighted that on just the first day, Rs. 17 billion was generated—33% higher than the reserve values—with individual plots in I-14 and Blue Area selling 13% and 15% above their reserve prices respectively. Randhawa reaffirmed that revenue from the auction would be channeled into further beautification and development projects for Islamabad, directly benefitting its citizens. He also revealed plans for new residential sectors to address the city’s growing housing needs.
Chairman Randhawa acknowledged the critical role played by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce, the Stock Exchange, business leaders, civil society, and media stakeholders, specially recognizing the National Press Club for its live coverage of the event.
Echoing the vision of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Chairman Randhawa also announced robust upcoming initiatives to further digitalize city operations, promote a paperless and cashless economy, and deploy digital platforms for streamlined municipal administration.
The current auction represents a new era for municipal development in Islamabad, reinforcing investor trust and paving the way for sustained urban growth and modernization.
