CDA given control of Pak-China Friendship Centre

Govt directs CDA to control the Pak-China Friendship Centre.

ISLAMABAD:

Despite the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) reluctance, the government has directed it to take control of the Pak-China Friendship Centre. The decision was confirmed in a letter sent to CDA by the prime minister’s Secretariat here on Monday.

“It is an honour for the civic body to take responsibility of the Pak-China Friendship Centre,” said CDA Spokesperson Ramzan Sajid.

He said that the CDA Chairperson Imtiaz Inayat Elahi had requested the director of the Jinnah Convention Centre to carry out necessary paperwork for the acquisition.

Sajid said the centre will be run following operational rules and procedures of
the Jinnah Convention Centre, which is currently used to host various government and privately-sponsored events.

A CDA official on condition anonymity said that private firms are required to pay hefty amounts to hold events at the Jinnah Convention Centre and if the Pak-China centre is operated following the similar rules, “its returns can significantly reduce the financial constraints faced by the civic body”. However, other CDA officials said it will be a difficult task for the civic authority to run such a large centre and arrange interesting cultural shows and exhibitions.

Inaugurated by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, the Pak-China Friendship centre was constructed on December 18 at a cost of Rs3 billion.  Spread over 12 acres of land, the centre houses an art auditorium with seating for 800, an exhibition centre, multipurpose hall, and a conference room seating 250.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2011.