Business Tycoon Mian Muhammad Mansha has praised Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif’s plan to build new five-star hotels in Islamabad ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2027, but warned against public sector partnerships for the same.

 

In a post on X, Mansha called it an “excellent and necessary step” to showcase Pakistan’s hospitality on the global stage, but questioned why the government was planning to develop these hotels through public sector entities.

 

“[…] I am concerned about the proposed execution. While the government is pursuing disinvestment & privatization of SOEs, this vital hotel project is being pushed as a public sector undertaking with CDA [Capital Development Authority] & EOBI [Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution],” he said.

 

Prime Minister @CMShehbaz's directive for new 5-star hotels ahead of the SCO Conference 2027 is an excellent and necessary step. This summit is a tremendous opportunity to showcase Pakistan's soft power and hospitality on a global stage.

However, I am concerned about the…

— Mian Mohammad Mansha (@MManshaOfficial) October 26, 2025

 

Mansha added that hotel development was a specialized and capital-intensive business that must run on market-driven business lines to succeed.

 

“Public sector partnerships here are rarely feasible and risk failure,” he added and advised the government to invite private investment instead of relying on public institutions.

 

“We should be empowering private investors who are already seeking to develop quality hotels in Islamabad, not creating new public sector competition or administrative hurdles for them.”

 

Last week, PM Shehbaz directed the CDA to immediately begin work on new five-star hotels in the federal capital to accommodate international delegates expected for SCO 2027.

 

While laying the foundation stone of the 1.3-kilometer Shaheen Chowk Underpass on Friday, the premier emphasised that hotel development must be prioritised alongside the new Convention Centre project as, he said, both facilities were vital for hosting the high-profile international summit.

 

According to CDA officials, the government plans to construct luxury hotels on two CDA-owned plots in Sector G-5. The body is actively seeking investment partners to launch the project.

 

Reports quoted officials as confirming that a recent meeting between the CDA and EOBI had explored collaboration opportunities.