Web Desk: Federal government has unveiled an ambitious plan to upgrade Islamabad’s hospitality industry by connecting local hotels with international hotel chains, accelerating construction projects and introducing world-class accommodation facilities ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad to review preparations aimed at transforming the federal capital’s hotels, conference venues and hospitality services to meet international standards.
Officials discussed the completion of hotels under construction, renovation of existing properties, development of new commercial facilities and training of hospitality professionals.
The government also reviewed plans to convert the prominent One Constitution Avenue property into an international-standard hotel alongside a modern shopping mall.
During the meeting, Naqvi directed officials to establish contacts with leading international hotel groups to explore partnerships with local hospitality businesses.
The initiative aims to introduce international service standards, improve accommodation facilities and strengthen Islamabad’s position as a destination for foreign visitors, investors and international conferences.
Furthermore, officials were instructed to identify obstacles facing hotel developers and resolve administrative issues that could delay construction or renovation.
Naqvi stressed that existing hotels must improve their infrastructure, guest services and operational standards to accommodate international delegations.
The government expects these measures to enhance Islamabad’s hospitality sector while creating opportunities for investment and tourism.
In another significant development, the government reviewed a proposal to transform One Constitution Avenue into an international-standard hotel.
Officials briefed the interior minister on the project’s proposed development and associated commercial facilities.
Under the plan, authorities also intend to develop a modern shopping mall in an adjoining building, creating additional retail and recreational opportunities in the federal capital.
The proposed development is expected to combine premium accommodation with shopping and leisure facilities.
Naqvi directed the relevant departments to ensure that construction work on the One Constitution Avenue project begins on January 1.
He also instructed officials to complete the necessary administrative arrangements and resolve outstanding issues before the scheduled commencement of construction.
However, the meeting did not disclose the project’s estimated cost, financing arrangements or the identity of any international hotel operator.
Meanwhile, the interior minister directed authorities to accelerate work on hotels currently under construction across Islamabad.
He emphasised the need to complete major hospitality projects before the SCO summit to ensure sufficient accommodation for visiting heads of state, foreign delegations and other international guests.
Additionally, officials were instructed to coordinate with hotel owners and developers to address construction-related challenges.
The government also plans to renovate existing hotels and improve their facilities to meet international expectations.
These improvements will focus on accommodation quality, hospitality services and the overall experience of visitors arriving in the capital.
Alongside infrastructure development, the government plans to introduce specialised training programmes to prepare workers for the expanding hospitality industry.
Naqvi directed relevant institutions to collaborate with professional training organisations and develop courses in hotel management, guest services and other hospitality-related fields.
The programmes aim to produce a skilled workforce before new hotels begin operations.
Officials expect the training initiative to help hotels recruit qualified employees and improve service delivery.
Moreover, the government wants the training programmes to align with international hospitality practices, allowing local workers to develop skills suited to modern hotel operations.
The initiative could also create employment opportunities for young Pakistanis seeking careers in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
The meeting also reviewed progress on the renovation of the Islamabad Convention Centre and plans to construct an additional hall.
Officials briefed the interior minister on ongoing improvements designed to enhance the venue’s capacity to host international conferences, diplomatic gatherings and major events.
Naqvi instructed the departments concerned to accelerate work and ensure that modern conference facilities become available before the SCO summit.
The proposed improvements aim to strengthen Islamabad’s ability to accommodate large international meetings and provide facilities comparable to those available in other major capitals.
The hospitality development programme forms part of the government’s broader preparations to host international leaders and delegations attending the SCO summit.
Naqvi emphasised that Islamabad must be fully prepared to receive foreign dignitaries and provide accommodation, hospitality and conference services that meet international standards.
He also directed government departments and other stakeholders to maintain close coordination to ensure the timely completion of priority projects.
According to the interior minister, the federal capital’s infrastructure and hospitality arrangements must reflect the importance of the international gathering.
Beyond preparations for the SCO summit, the proposed improvements could strengthen Islamabad’s hospitality and tourism industry over the longer term.
Partnerships with international hotel chains may attract foreign investment, encourage improvements in service quality and create new employment opportunities.
Similarly, the development of modern hotels, shopping facilities and conference infrastructure could help Islamabad compete for international business events and diplomatic gatherings.
However, the government has yet to announce the names of participating international hotel chains, investment commitments or detailed completion schedules for individual projects.
Authorities will now focus on implementing the decisions, removing administrative obstacles and accelerating development work as preparations for the summit continue.
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