One Constitution Avenue project: Body constituted by PM seeks information from CDA

ISLAMABAD: The committee constituted by the prime minister to review matters related to One Constitution Avenue held its first meeting on Monday, chaired by Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also attended the session, along with senior officials including Chairman Capital Development Authority Sohail Ashraf and Member State Zaman Voto. During the meeting, the committee sought detailed information on the One Constitution Avenue project from the CDA. According to sources, the CDA chairman presented key facts regarding the project, while the committee also requested a comprehensive briefing from the authority in its next session. READ MORE: One Constitution Avenue case: PM sets up committee for review Speaking on the occasion, Azam Nazir Tarar said that after hearing from the CDA, the committee would also listen to affected parties of the project through their representatives. He added that all legal and technical aspects would be thoroughly reviewed before submitting a report to the prime minister. The law minister noted that the committee was fully aware of the written decision issued by the Islamabad High Court regarding the matter. The meeting was also attended by the Secretary Cabinet Division and Secretary Commerce, who are members of the committee. The committee resolved to complete its review and compile its report at the earliest possible time. Earlier in it written decision, the IHC upheld the cancellation of the lease for the One Constitution Avenue project, rejecting a petition filed by BNP Private Limited against the decision. In a written verdict issued by Chief Justice Muhammad Sarfaraz Dogar, the court declared that the lease cancellation order issued by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on March 8, 2023, was lawful and in accordance with legal provisions. The court also dismissed the execution petition filed by BNP Limited and disposed of applications submitted by third-party investors, directing them to approach the relevant legal forum for the protection of their rights. According to the judgment, the petitioner failed to comply with financial conditions set by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, including the non-payment of Rs2. 916 billion due as the 2022 installment. The court noted that although the company had deposited the 2021 installment, it defaulted on subsequent payments. The verdict stated that the Supreme Court, in its January 9, 2019 order, had restored the lease and directed the petitioner to pay Rs17. 5 billion over a period of eight years. However, BNP Limited did not fully adhere to these conditions and failed to avail what the court described as a “lifeline opportunity. ” The court further observed that after repeated reminders, the CDA issued a notice to the petitioner on February 7, 2023, followed by the lease cancellation order on March 8. It ruled that the CDA’s action was consistent with the authority granted by the Supreme Court. Rejecting the petitioner’s objections, the court held that the alleged technical flaw in the 30-day notice did not invalidate the cancellation. It also declared a cheque of Rs500 million submitted by the petitioner as insufficient. With these observations, the court upheld the CDA’s decision and dismissed all related petitions.

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