Protecting F-9 Park Architects Challenge CDA’s Stadium Plan

A fresh wave of opposition has emerged against the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) plan to build a cricket stadium inside Islamabad’s F-9 Park, as the Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAP) has formally called for the project to be scrapped in order to protect the city’s largest public green space.

In a strongly worded statement, the IAP warned that turning F-9 Park into a ticketed sports venue would compromise its status as Islamabad’s ecological lung and undermine its original purpose as a free, open public park. The group stressed that F-9 Park was designed as a recreational sanctuary for residents — not a commercial or restricted facility.

The architects’ body urged the CDA to consider alternative locations for the stadium that would not disrupt the park’s landscape or biodiversity. They also highlighted the risk of increased traffic congestion, noise pollution, and reduced public access if large-scale events are held in the area.

F-9 Park, also known as Fatima Jinnah Park, spans over 750 acres and is one of the largest urban parks in Pakistan. Environmental advocates have long praised it for preserving greenery in the heart of the capital, which faces growing pressure from rapid urban development.

The CDA’s proposal for a stadium inside the park has faced backlash from residents, environmentalists, and now the architectural community, all of whom say the move conflicts with sustainable urban planning principles. Critics argue that instead of reducing public open space, Islamabad should be working to increase it — especially in light of rising pollution and the city’s need for climate resilience.

With momentum building against the plan, the IAP has called for public consultations and a transparent environmental impact assessment before any decision is made. The matter is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, as activists and professionals join forces to keep F-9 Park free from commercial development.

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