ISLAMABAD: The Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAP) and its Green Initiative have objected to plans for constructing an international cricket stadium in Islamabad’s F-9 Park.
According to a news piece published by local media, the IAP has written a letter to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, saying that while they support the development of sports infrastructure, the proposed location could harm the city’s environmental balance and affect public access to open spaces.
According to the letter, F-9 Park functions as the capital’s “ecological lungs” – a major green area that filters air, reduces flood risks through natural drainage, supports biodiversity, regulates temperatures, and provides recreational space for residents.
The park is designated for public use and ecological preservation, the IAP said, and is not suited for restricted-access facilities. The organisation also questioned the selection of NESPAK for the project, noting that although the firm has engineering expertise, it does not specialise in urban ecological planning. It called for an open process to select architects and planners with experience in sustainable urban design.
The letter also said that the construction of the stadium could lead to the removal of mature trees and that the location lacks the public transport links needed to handle large event crowds without causing traffic congestion and pollution.
The IAP warned that turning an open-access park into a ticketed venue would reduce public access to green space. It suggested that the stadium be built on the outskirts of the city, where infrastructure could be planned to support it without affecting protected areas.
The organisation has also offered assistance in identifying alternative sites, preparing environmentally sensitive designs, and facilitating consultations with stakeholders to align the project with the city’s long-term planning objectives.
