CDA has invited a Creative Consultant to help turn Islamabad into a vibrant cultural and tourism capital, redesigning public spaces, trails and city experiences.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched a new initiative to reposition Islamabad as Pakistan’s leading cultural and tourism capital, while preserving its long-standing identity as a green, garden city. As part of this vision, the authority has invited proposals from highly qualified individual consultants to serve as a Creative Consultant for the federal capital.
Rather than focusing only on routine beautification and isolated projects, the CDA says it wants to rethink how people experience the city as a whole. The aim is to curate a connected network of public spaces, cultural attractions, leisure zones and nature corridors that together create a distinctive urban character for Islamabad, aligned with both international best practices and Pakistan’s own cultural heritage.
A New Vision for Islamabad’s Public Spaces
According to CDA, the new strategy goes beyond planting flowers or upgrading a few parks. The authority is looking to reshape Islamabad’s public realm into a cohesive and dynamic urban experience. This means looking at streets, parks, plazas, green belts and civic spaces as part of a single, curated citywide story rather than as separate, unconnected sites.
Under this approach, Islamabad would be treated as a living cultural landscape. Public spaces would be designed and programmed to host art, music, sports, food, festivals and community activities in a more structured way. The goal is to make the city more engaging for residents, more attractive for tourists, and more supportive of creative industries and small businesses.
CDA has stated that ecology and heritage will remain central to this transformation. Islamabad’s natural setting, tree-lined avenues and open spaces are expected to be protected and enhanced, with green corridors and walking trails connecting different parts of the city in a more accessible and enjoyable way.
Role of the Creative Consultant and Eligibility Criteria
To drive this vision, CDA plans to appoint an experienced Creative Consultant who will act as a city curator. This consultant will be responsible for integrating art, culture, sports, cuisine, leisure, heritage and ecology into Islamabad’s overall urban landscape. The role is expected to cut across traditional planning and engineering silos, bringing together design, storytelling, branding and destination development under one coherent strategy.
The authority is seeking nationally and internationally recognised professionals with at least two decades of leadership in fields such as creative direction, urban regeneration, place-making, cultural programming or destination development. Applicants must be able to show a proven track record of delivering impactful public realm or city-making projects at the national or international level.
Relevant proposal documents and terms of reference have been made available through CDA’s official platforms. Participation is open to eligible individual consultants who meet the specified criteria, and the authority has reiterated that it reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal in line with applicable rules.
Citywide Tourism, Culture and Heritage Framework
One of the key expectations from the Creative Consultant is the preparation of a citywide tourism and cultural framework for Islamabad. This framework is likely to identify priority zones, thematic districts and specific projects that can help shape the city’s image as a vibrant destination.
CDA has indicated that future projects may include upgraded civic plazas, improved green corridors, curated cultural and heritage trails, sports and wellness zones, and dedicated culinary districts showcasing local and regional cuisine. Experience-based destinations, such as riverside promenades, night-time markets and outdoor performance spaces, could also be part of the roadmap.
The overall objective is to make it easier for visitors and residents to discover Islamabad’s attractions, move between them comfortably and enjoy a rich mix of activities throughout the year. Better signage, thoughtful lighting, accessible paths and integrated public transport links are expected to play a role in this vision.
How Islamabad Could Benefit from the New Cultural Strategy
If implemented effectively, CDA’s cultural and tourism strategy could deliver several benefits for Islamabad. A stronger identity as a cultural capital could attract more domestic and international tourists, supporting hospitality, retail, creative and service sectors. Well-designed public spaces can also improve quality of life for residents, encouraging outdoor activity, social interaction and community events.
For young people, creative professionals and entrepreneurs, a more vibrant city environment can open up new opportunities in fields like design, arts, events, food, sports and wellness. At the same time, careful planning is needed to ensure that cultural projects remain inclusive, respect local communities and preserve Islamabad’s environmental character.
By inviting a dedicated Creative Consultant and treating the whole city as a curated experience, CDA is signalling a shift toward long-term place-making rather than short-term beautification. How this plan unfolds in practice will depend on the quality of proposals received, the consistency of implementation and the level of collaboration between CDA, private partners and the citizens of Islamabad.
