PM forms committee to review One Constitution Avenue case, halts authorities from taking action

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday constituted a high-level committee to review the issue involving One Constitution Avenue, a skyscraper in the federal capital that houses residential apartments, and also halted authorities from taking any action.

The development comes a day after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) upheld the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) decision to cancel the building’s lease due to the company behind the project defaulting on payments.

Apartments in the building are also reportedly owned by prominent personalities, including PTI founder Imran Khan, Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, Shandana Gulzar Aurangzeb, former minister Burjees Tahir, former caretaker prime minister Nasirul Mulk and Kashmala Tariq.

According to Radio Pakistan, the committee formed by the premier will be headed by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and will include Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the cabinet secretary and the commerce secretary.

“The committee has been tasked with examining all aspects of the issue and submitting a comprehensive report to the prime minister within one week,” the report said.

“During this period, all affected individuals will be able to present their concerns before the committee, which will hear all parties and stakeholders without any discrimination,” it said.

“Until a final decision is taken by the prime minister, the Islamabad administration and the Capital Development Authority will refrain from taking any action in the matter,” it said.

“The prime minister has issued directives for the formation of this special committee to ensure that the requirements of justice are fully met in the One Constitution Avenue case,” the report concluded.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the residents of One Constitution Avenue had begun vacating their apartments on a voluntary basis amid a large police presence.

Residents were seen shifting their belongings on mini trucks as the building was under the control of the local administration and police. Police personnel were also seen roaming inside the building’s towers.

More to follow