Pakistan Prioritizes Islamabad and Quetta for New Expo and Display Centers
ISLAMABAD: — Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has directed that the government’s immediate focus should be on establishing an Expo-cum-Display Center in Islamabad and identifying new land for the Quetta Expo Centre as part of Pakistan’s broader plan to build a nationwide network of modern exhibition and display facilities.
The Minister gave these instructions during a detailed briefing by the CEO of Pakistan Expo Centre (Private) Limited at the Ministry of Commerce. The presentation outlined plans for setting up small-scale Expo and Display Centers across all provinces to strengthen local industry, boost exports, and create new trade opportunities.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan emphasized that the first priority is the establishment of an Expo-cum-Display Center in Islamabad, which would provide a world-class trade and exhibition venue in the federal capital. He remarked that potential locations inside the Pakistan Sports Complex could be considered since many facilities are already available there, which would save both time and cost.
He added that the second key focus is to secure new land for the Quetta Expo Centre, preferably near the airport, to facilitate easy access for foreign visitors and investors.
The CEO briefed that the initial design would be prepared under an open bid model, while construction would proceed once funding is confirmed through either the Export Development Fund (EDF), Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), or the PC-1 approval process.
Letters have already been sent to all four provincial governments and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to identify small-scale, suitable land parcels. At present, Sialkot and Faisalabad have already offered sites, while proposals from Sukkur, Hyderabad and Quetta are under review.
The CEO explained that the plan envisages smaller, multipurpose halls in secondary cities that can host exhibitions, business delegations, and industrial events. International best practices — including German and other global expo models — are being studied to introduce flexible, modular designs in Pakistan.
The meeting also discussed the formation of a new Board of Directors for Pakistan Expo Centre (Private) Limited to improve governance, decision-making and project execution.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan noted that setting up Expo and Display Centers in smaller cities would energize local industry, boost exports, and open new avenues for foreign investment. He assured full policy and administrative support from the Ministry of Commerce and said coordination with provincial governments would be strengthened to accelerate implementation.
He directed the Secretary Industries to provide detailed clusters and priority areas from all provinces by next week so that the federal government can take final decisions and move quickly into the construction and funding phases.
This initiative marks a significant step in Pakistan’s trade and industrial policy — prioritizing Islamabad and Quetta while also creating a nationwide network of smaller display centers. By combining Pakistan’s low-cost base with international standards and facilities, the government hopes to attract foreign investors, increase exports, and modernize the country’s exhibition infrastructure.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
