Prime Minister’s Office requires more details from Capital Development Authority (CDA) regarding a requested interest-free loan of Rs3 billion for the refurbishment of Jinnah Convention Centre before the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. The CDA bypassed the competitive process to renovate the centre under the emergency clause and handed it over to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the upcoming event on October 15-16. The renovated centre boasts a new look with improved main hall, committee rooms, corridors, and toilet facilities, all done to international standards. CDA officials are yet to calculate the total expenditure on the project, including civil and electrical repairs. The PM’s Office is seeking more information on the renovation costs and repayment plan, advising the CDA to explore alternative funding options like public-private partnerships.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and CDA chairman personally oversaw the completion of the project. The loan request and spending details will be presented to the PM for approval after addressing the PM Office’s queries.