CDA, Saudi energy giant ARAMCO explore joint ventures for Islamabad development
Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa discusses strategic projects with ARAMCO delegation, including petrol pumps and a modern slaughterhouse to boost exports.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Saudi Arabia’s ARAMCO are considering joint ventures in Islamabad, with a focus on infrastructure and investment projects aimed at transforming the capital into a modern city.
Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa held talks on Wednesday with an ARAMCO delegation to discuss opportunities for collaboration. The meeting was also attended by Member Planning and Design Dr. Khalid Hafiz, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Deputy Director General Resource, and other senior CDA officials.
Randhawa underscored CDA’s commitment to transparency and sustainable growth, noting that projects under the Joint Venture (JV) model would attract private investment and generate lasting revenue for the Authority. “All projects will be implemented in line with PPRA rules, ensuring transparency and merit,” he stressed.
During the session, ARAMCO representatives were briefed on ongoing and planned initiatives, including citizen service upgrades and development schemes aimed at boosting economic activity. Randhawa pointed out that several strategic sites have been earmarked for private sector investment, such as the establishment of petrol pumps across Islamabad.
The meeting also reviewed progress on a proposed state-of-the-art slaughterhouse, for which feasibility has already been completed. “The primary objective is to promote meat exports while catering to local demand, thereby supporting the city’s economy and creating jobs,” Randhawa explained.
Special teams from CDA and ARAMCO were tasked with moving forward on these projects. “Our goal is to provide the best facilities to the citizens of Islamabad. CDA is working day and night to develop the Capital and encourage private sector participation,” Randhawa added.
Reference Link:- https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2025/10/08/cda-saudi-energy-giant-aramco-explore-joint-ventures-for-islamabad-development/;
Zamir Ahmed Awan is the founder and Chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance, a think tank in Islamabad. He studied engineering at Shanghai University in the 1980s, and years later he went back to China as Pakistan's science counsellor in Beijing, from 2010 until 2016, working on science and higher education cooperation between the two countries.…
