The Islamabad High Court has declined to provide immediate relief to 20 apartment owners and sub-lease holders connected to the One Constitution Avenue project in Islamabad. The case revolves around the cancellation of the project’s primary lease and its legal impact on third-party property owners.
The court heard intra-court appeals filed by several affected individuals seeking protection of their ownership and sub-lease rights. However, the bench decided not to issue immediate orders and instead directed the Capital Development Authority to submit a detailed written response before the next hearing.
The legal dispute has attracted significant public attention because the project includes several prominent apartment owners and investors.
Senior Figures Among Affected Apartment Owners
The appeals were heard by a division bench consisting of Justice Muhammad Azam Khan and Justice Inam Ameen Minhas. Several well-known individuals are among the appellants challenging the earlier court decision linked to the lease cancellation issue.
The affected parties include:
- Former air chief Mujahid Anwar Khan
- Former ICC president Ahsan Mani
- Former Senate chairman Wasim Sajjad
- Other apartment owners and sub-lease holders
The petitioners requested the court to safeguard third-party ownership rights connected to the residential units within the One Constitution Avenue project.
According to legal representatives, the apartment owners purchased or obtained sub-leases in good faith and should not suffer because of disputes involving the project’s primary lease arrangements.
Advocates Taimur Aslam and Ali Raza appeared before the court on behalf of the appellants. They argued that innocent third-party owners deserve legal protection while the larger lease matter remains under consideration.
The case has become increasingly important because it may affect property ownership rights and investor confidence in large-scale residential developments within Islamabad.
Court Seeks Detailed Reply From Capital Development Authority
During the hearing, the Capital Development Authority was represented by lawyer Kashif Ali Malik. The court observed that the current matter specifically concerns the rights of apartment owners and affected individuals rather than issues connected directly to BNP or other parties.
The bench asked the CDA to clarify its position regarding the legal status of the sub-lease holders and apartment owners affected by the cancellation of the main lease.
In response, CDA’s counsel informed the court that the authority’s board would review the matter and make decisions according to legal requirements and official procedures.
The court then instructed the Capital Development Authority to obtain formal instructions and submit a written response addressing the concerns raised by the petitioners.
Legal experts believe the court’s decision to seek a detailed reply indicates that the matter involves complex legal and property rights questions that require careful examination before any interim relief can be granted.
Next Hearing Scheduled as Legal Uncertainty Continues
The Islamabad High Court adjourned further proceedings in the case until May 25. Until then, uncertainty continues for apartment owners and sub-lease holders connected to the One Constitution Avenue project.
The outcome of the case could have wider implications for real estate regulation, lease agreements, and investor protection in Pakistan’s property sector.
Property analysts say the dispute highlights the importance of transparent legal frameworks for housing projects and urban development authorities. Buyers and investors often depend on official approvals and legal assurances when purchasing expensive residential properties.
The ongoing proceedings are expected to determine whether third-party owners can retain legal protections despite disputes surrounding the original lease agreement.
For now, affected residents remain hopeful that the court will provide clarity and legal safeguards during upcoming hearings.
