Biggest state-of-the-art auditorium in country

ISLAMABAD: Situated near the ‘Crescent and Star’ intersection and with lush green Shakarparian hills in the backdrop, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao inaugurated this ‘Pak-China Friendship Centre’ on Saturday. It is Rs 3 billion project financed by the People’s Republic of China, that would help in strengthening mutual cultural ties enjoying both the brethren countries. Prior to formal inaugural ceremony, Chinese Cultural Minister Cai Wu handed over the keys of the centre to his Pakistani counterpart Pir Aftab Shah Jilani. Capital Development Authority (CDA) had allotted 12-acre land in 2004 for the construction of the centre, which has been completed within 22 months at a cost of Rs 3 billion. Jiabao laid the foundation of this centre in April 2005, while the Chinese Ambassador Lou Zhoi had honoured the groundbreaking ceremony in 2008. Chinese companies IPPR and Shanghai Group designed and constructed the centre, respectively. The centre has a sitting capacity of 814 and it is being considered as the biggest and state-of-the-art auditorium of performing arts in Pakistan. Eight conference halls are also being constructed among which the largest one has seating capacity of 250 people, besides three dancing halls and 105 residential rooms are also being constructed – Dailytimes