The Rise of Giga City Islamabad: Urbanization of the Region
Islamabad, July 2025 – The GT Road corridor in Islamabad’s Zone 5, particularly the area surrounding the iconic Giga Mall, has undergone a significant transformation over the last two decades. Once a relatively underdeveloped stretch, it now stands as a beacon of modern urbanization, commercial vibrancy, and residential luxury. This remarkable metamorphosis, known as Giga City Islamabad, is largely the result of the visionary leadership and strategic investments of the Giga Group, whose pioneering developments have redefined the urban fabric of this key economic artery.
The Historical Backdrop: GT Road and Zone 5’s Potential
The Grand Trunk (GT) Road is one of South Asia’s oldest and most strategic routes, linking major cities and economic hubs. In recent years, the Pakistani government has recognized the corridor’s critical importance, investing over PKR 150 billion in 2024 alone for infrastructure upgrades, new interchanges, and special economic zones along GT Road Rawalpindi. This wave of development has created fertile ground for private sector investment, with Zone 5 of Islamabad home to DHA Phase 2, emerging as a prime real estate hotspot. Zone 5, designated by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for private housing and commercial projects, covers over 39,000 acres and includes key developments such as DHA Phase II and Bahria Town. The Giga Group’s entry into this zone marked the beginning of a new chapter in the corridor’s urbanization
The Start Of A Dream Giga City Islamabad
Founded in 1956, Giga Group evolved from textiles and bullion trading into a real estate powerhouse by the early 2000s. In 2005, the group announced a landmark Dh2 billion ($550 million) investment for a dream of a master-planned community in DHA Phase II, known as “ Giga City Islamabad. “ Their vision encompassed:
● 100 + acres of prime land along GT Road
● Low-rise projects like El Cielo, Defence Residency, Lignum Tower, and Defence Executive
● Dubai-inspired high-rise projects like Goldcrest Highlife and Goldcrest Views
● Approximately 4,500 residential units, and with new projects, this number is continuously increasing This ambitious plan laid the groundwork for the corridor’s transformation, marking the beginning of large-scale, integrated urban development
Pioneering Urbanization: The Rise of Giga Mall
The cornerstone of Giga Group’s urbanization efforts was the development of Giga Mall, which opened in 2016. Spanning 63 kanals (about 7.9 acres), the mall is Islamabad’s largest shopping and entertainment complex, featuring:
Over 200 national and international retail outlets
● A 150,000 square foot Carrefour hypermarket
● Modern dining options, a Cinepax multiplex, and a Fun City amusement zone
● Integrated amenities including parking, Wi-Fi, and prayer facilities Giga Mall quickly became a magnet for shoppers, drawing more than 20,000 visitors daily, and anchored the surrounding urban fabric.
Completed Projects Of Giga City Islamabad
Giga Group’s portfolio along the GT Road is both extensive and diverse. Key completed projects in Giga City include:
● Lignum Tower (2013): A 19-storey residential tower adjacent to Giga Mall, offering over 360 apartments ranging from studios to 4-bedroom units, promoting vertical urban living.
● Defence Residency (2014): A low-rise residential complex with 17 buildings and more than 1,400 executive apartments, catering to Islamabad’s growing middle class.
● El Cielo Towers: Modern high-rise residential buildings adding to the corridor’s skyline with premium amenities. Together, these projects represent over 7 million square feet of delivered commercial and residential real estate in DHA Phase II alone, underscoring Giga Group’s dominant role in Zone 5’s urbanization.
Ongoing Developments In Giga City Islamabad
Giga Group continues to shape the corridor’s future with several major projects underway in Giga City Islamabad:
● Goldcrest Views: A luxury residential development comprising seven 40-storey towers with penthouses, studios, and 1-4 bedroom apartments. Inspired by Giga’s Dubai flagship, it offers panoramic views of the Margalla Hills and eco-friendly design. Completion is expected by 2027.
● Goldcrest Commercial: A premium commercial project in Giga City, offering retail shops and clinics designed for modern business needs.
● Giga Mall Extension: Launched in 2020, this 30-storey vertical market expands retail, hospitality, and entertainment options, including a mosque on the top floors and panoramic glass views. It is directly connected to Giga Mall and Gig Boutique Mall, creating a continuous urban complex.
● Gig Boutique Mall (formerly D Mall): Currently undergoing expansion and rebranding to elevate the shopping and leisure experience, expected to be completed in 2025.
Infrastructure and Development In Giga City Islamabad
Giga Group’s influence extends beyond brick and mortar. Their developments in Giga City Islamabad have catalyzed significant infrastructure upgrades along the GT Road:
● Road widening and traffic management to accommodate increased vehicular flow.
● Construction of skywalk bridges connecting major developments, enhancing pedestrian safety and convenience.
● Implementation of solar energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and advanced waste management programs, demonstrating commitment to sustainable urban living.
● Development of community facilities, including mosques, daycare centers, healthcare clinics, and parks, fosters social cohesion and quality of life.
Economic and Social Impact: A Thriving Urban Ecosystem
The Giga Group’s developments have generated thousands of jobs across construction, retail, hospitality, and professional sectors. The corridor now hosts international brands, corporate offices, and vibrant retail hubs, boosting local economic activity and property values. Social infrastructure, such as mosques, schools, healthcare clinics, and parks, integrated into the projects, fosters community cohesion and enhances quality of life.
The Bigger Picture: GT Road’s Urban Renaissance
The GT Road corridor’s transformation is part of a broader regional development strategy. Government initiatives like the Lahore-Sialkot-Islamabad Motorway, new interchanges, and Special Economic Zones complement private developments, creating a synergy that positions GT Road as Pakistan’s next major economic and urban growth corridor.
Conclusion: Giga Group’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
From its early vision in 2005 to its current status as the master developer of Giga City, Giga Group has played a pivotal role in reshaping Islamabad’s GT Road belt. Their integrated approach, combining residential, commercial, and community development, has created a sustainable urban ecosystem that serves as a model for Pakistan’s private-sector-led urbanization. As ongoing projects like Goldcrest Views and Giga Mall Extension near completion, the corridor’s future looks promising, with continued growth, innovation, and investment set to define Islamabad’s urban landscape for decades to come.
