Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Wednesday that One Constitution Avenue will be converted into a five-star hotel in the "coming months." Naqvi stated that the building's basic purpose was to be a hotel and noted a severe shortage of such facilities in Islamabad. He added that the government intends to sign an agreement with a large chain for this purpose.
Naqvi confirmed that the government has now legally taken possession of the property following a joint investigation team (JIT) report presented to the federal cabinet. He assured that all those entitled to compensation would be paid their dues, stating that making rightful payments to occupants is binding on the government as per the JIT recommendations.
During a press conference, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal reported that the JIT—which included members from NAB, FIA, FBR, SECP, IB, and ISI—uncovered "irregularities and rigging," manipulation, and fraud in the project. Iqbal stated that the bidding process was manipulated and that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) was found to be "negligent," culpable, and "involved" in the fraud.
Iqbal alleged that the project was initially approved as a five-star hotel but was later converted into selling apartments "illegally." He identified Abdul Hafeez Shaikh as the "mastermind" who connived with CDA officers, including former chairman Kamran Lashari, Dr. Faisal Awan, and Azhar Ali Chaudhry. Iqbal claimed these individuals "defrauded many Pakistanis of their savings" and secured personal financial benefits.
The JIT report recommends that Shaikh and his company be "prosecuted" and "blacklisted" for future public sector projects. Iqbal stated the project should be redirected to its original purpose through a transparent bidding process with proper security clearances and fire safety protocols. He also noted the project should be renamed because the name "One Constitution" was taken through deceit for marketing purposes, as the first building on the avenue was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Regarding investors, Iqbal stated it is the government's responsibility to compensate those deceived, including returning the principal amount plus interest. He added that the JIT recommended overhauling the CDA and its ordinance, establishing an independent master plan commission, digitizing all records, and rotating officers every two years.
