Islamabad’s One Constitution Avenue is set for a major transformation, as authorities plan to convert the building into a five-star hotel. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the decision following the federal cabinet’s approval of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report. The report highlighted alleged irregularities and fraud surrounding the project.
The government has already taken possession of the building and intends to maintain control. Meanwhile, officials have outlined plans for accountability, a fresh auction and compensation for affected investors.
Government Takes Control of One Constitution Avenue
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Naqvi confirmed that authorities had secured possession of One Constitution Avenue and continued to oversee the property. He also announced that the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) Member Administration would manage its affairs going forward.
Furthermore, the interior minister praised the CDA and its legal team for their efforts in handling the case. He also thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his continued support throughout the process.
Naqvi emphasised that the law must apply equally to everyone, regardless of wealth or social standing. He argued against a system that treats affluent individuals differently from ordinary citizens.
However, the minister acknowledged that authorities had faced pressure from various quarters during the proceedings. He declined to identify those responsible for the pressure.
JIT Report Raises Questions Over Project Irregularities
Federal Ministers Attaullah Tarar and Ahsan Iqbal said the JIT report had uncovered serious irregularities and alleged fraud in the One Constitution Avenue project.
According to the ministers, authorities allegedly manipulated the auction and leasing procedures while relaxing rules to favour a particular company. These allegations have placed the project’s original arrangements under scrutiny.
Moreover, the ministers alleged that officials had approved the development as a five-star hotel project. However, the property’s apartments were subsequently sold, raising further questions about the project’s execution and approvals.
The findings have also brought several former officials into focus. According to the ministers, the JIT identified former finance minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh as a central figure in the alleged fraud.
The report also named former CDA chairman Kamran Lashari and several other officials. However, the allegations do not, by themselves, establish criminal guilt.
NAB Proceedings and Fresh Auction Planned
Following the report, the government has decided to initiate National Accountability Bureau (NAB) proceedings against those found responsible.
Additionally, officials have announced plans for a fresh and transparent auction of the project. The government also intends to compensate investors affected by the matter.
These proposed measures form part of the government’s response to the alleged irregularities. Meanwhile, the planned hotel conversion signals a new direction for the building.
Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar also reiterated that everyone stands equal before the law, stressing that no individual enjoys exemption from accountability.
What Lies Ahead for One Constitution Avenue?
The proposed five-star hotel conversion marks a significant development for One Constitution Avenue. Nevertheless, the project’s future will also depend on the government’s next steps regarding accountability, the auction process and investor compensation.
For now, authorities have confirmed their control of the property and announced plans for its management. The coming months will determine how the hotel proposal progresses alongside the proceedings surrounding the project’s alleged irregularities.
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