Evaluating Investment Potential in DHA Gandhara and Capital Smart City

The real estate landscape of Islamabad and Rawalpindi is rapidly expanding toward the new Islamabad International Airport, creating new investment hubs that attract both local and overseas Pakistanis. 

Among the top emerging developments in this corridor, Dha Gandhara and Capital Smart City (CSC) stand out as two of the most promising options. Both projects claim to redefine urban living, but which one offers better investment potential in 2025?
Let’s evaluate both in detail.

1. Strategic Location Advantage

Capital Smart City is located near the M-2 Motorway and lies just a few minutes from the New Islamabad International Airport. The society also has a dedicated interchange approved by the National Highway Authority (NHA), which enhances direct access. Its connectivity with major routes like the Rawalpindi Ring Road and Thalian Interchange gives it an edge for long-term property value appreciation.

DHA Gandhara, on the other hand, is located close to DHA Phase 9 (Rawalpindi) and the same airport zone. It benefits from DHA’s planned urban expansion toward the western corridor of Islamabad, which is fast becoming a real estate hotspot due to airport proximity and upcoming infrastructure like the Rawalpindi Ring Road Extension.

Verdict: Both enjoy prime locations, but Capital Smart City’s motorway interchange and on-ground accessibility give it a slight advantage for investors focused on infrastructure-driven growth.

2. Developer Credibility and Track Record

Capital Smart City is a project of Future Development Holdings (FDHL) in collaboration with Habib Rafiq (Pvt.) Limited (HRL), one of Pakistan’s most reputable engineering and development firms known for delivering Bahria Town and DHA projects in the past. Their partnership with Surbana Jurong (Singapore) as the master planner further strengthens the project’s credibility.

DHA Gandhara is backed by Defence Housing Authority (DHA), a name that carries unmatched trust in Pakistan’s real estate sector. Every DHA project in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad has historically provided secure, long-term returns with legal transparency and planned urbanization.

Verdict: DHA Gandhara wins in terms of investor confidence and institutional backing, while Capital Smart City offers innovation and modern urban planning expertise.

3. Legal Status and NOC Approvals

Capital Smart City has received its No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) for multiple phases. The society continuously expands its land bank, and development work is ongoing across several blocks, including Overseas East, Overseas Central, Harmony Park, and Smart Villas.

DHA Gandhara’s master plan has been approved internally by DHA authorities, and the project is being developed as part of the DHA Rawalpindi-Islamabad expansion. However, as of late 2025, it is still in the early development and plot allocation phase, with possession expected in later years once on-site work progresses.

Verdict: Capital Smart City holds an operational advantage with visible on-ground development and partially approved phases, while DHA Gandhara remains in its early-stage execution.

4. Development Progress and On-Ground Work

Capital Smart City has made remarkable progress since 2023. Roads, underground utilities, and smart infrastructure like fiber-optic networks and solar-powered street lights are already visible. The Smart Villas, education district, and Overseas Prime blocks show real on-ground activity, indicating active construction.

In contrast, DHA Gandhara is still under initial infrastructure work. Land acquisition and leveling are ongoing, and plot allocation continues. However, as per the DHA’s past record, once the groundwork completes, large-scale construction typically moves quickly.

Verdict: Capital Smart City is ahead in on-ground progress, giving it higher short- to medium-term potential.

5. Price Comparison and Investment Entry Points

Note: Prices are approximate as of October 2025 and vary by phase, category, and development stage.

Verdict: Capital Smart City currently offers a lower entry price and more flexible payment options, while DHA Gandhara attracts premium buyers due to DHA’s reputation.

6. Future Growth Drivers

Capital Smart City:

• Dedicated Motorway Interchange (Operational)
  
• Overseas Investment Demand from UAE, UK, and Canada
  
• Smart Features (IoT, Smart Traffic, Energy Efficiency)
  
• Upcoming Smart Downtown and Financial Square
  

DHA Gandhara:

• DHA Brand Reliability
  
• Strategic Expansion near DHA Phase 9 and Airport Corridor
  
• Expected Integration with Ring Road and DHA Islamabad Phases
  
• Long-Term Urban Planning for commercial and defense families
  

Verdict: Both have solid growth prospects, but CSC’s smart city model and active foreign investor interest make it more dynamic in the next 3–5 years.

7. Risks and Considerations

• Capital Smart City: Rapid expansion can cause delays in possession; multiple phases make it complex for new investors to choose the right block.
  
• DHA Gandhara: Still in the early phase; plot possession may take time, and market liquidity remains low until infrastructure is completed.
  

Pro Tip: Always verify NOC, plot status, and developer payment history before investing.

8. Final Verdict: Which is Better for Investment?

Final Conclusion:

For short- to medium-term investors, Capital Smart City offers better growth potential due to its smart infrastructure, ongoing construction, and active market demand.
For long-term, risk-averse buyers, DHA Gandhara provides institutional reliability, making it ideal for end-users seeking stability and gradual appreciation.

Both projects complement each other — one represents the future of smart urbanism, and the other reflects the legacy of secure real estate investment.