The ongoing One Constitution Avenue dispute has taken a new turn as Shehbaz Sharif formed a high-level committee to review the matter and temporarily halted any action by authorities. This decision aims to ensure a fair and transparent process while addressing the concerns of all stakeholders involved.
The committee will be chaired by Azam Nazeer Tarar and includes key officials such as Talal Chaudhry along with senior government secretaries. Their task is to examine every aspect of the One Constitution Avenue dispute and present a detailed report to the prime minister within one week.
This development comes at a critical time, as tensions had escalated following reports that the Capital Development Authority, accompanied by police, reached the site to take control of the 22-storey building after its lease was cancelled. Residents were given a deadline to vacate the premises, creating uncertainty and concern among those living in the building.
In response to the situation, the government has now paused all enforcement actions. Authorities, including the Islamabad administration and CDA, have been directed not to proceed further until the committee completes its review. This step reflects an effort to handle the One Constitution Avenue dispute in a balanced manner, ensuring that no party is unfairly affected during the process.
One of the key objectives of the committee is to provide a platform where all affected individuals can present their concerns. Residents, developers, and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to share their perspectives. This inclusive approach is expected to bring more clarity to the One Constitution Avenue dispute and help decision-makers understand the full scope of the issue.
The controversy surrounding the building has deep roots. Initially planned as a five-star hotel, the project was later converted into residential apartments. According to CDA officials, this change allegedly deprived Islamabad of a major hospitality project. Additionally, the developer is reported to have defaulted on payments for over two decades, which ultimately led to the cancellation of the lease.
Legal proceedings have also played a significant role in shaping the One Constitution Avenue dispute. Recently, the Islamabad High Court dismissed a petition filed by a private company challenging the lease cancellation. This decision strengthened the CDA’s position, but it also intensified concerns among residents who feared eviction.
The situation is further complicated by a 2019 ruling from the Supreme Court of Pakistan. At that time, the court had conditionally allowed the regularisation of the building. However, the current dispute suggests that those conditions may not have been fully met, leading to renewed legal and administrative challenges.
For residents, the One Constitution Avenue dispute is not just a legal issue—it directly affects their homes and daily lives. Reports of possible electricity disconnection and eviction deadlines have created anxiety among those still occupying the apartments. Many are now looking to the newly formed committee for a fair resolution.
From a broader perspective, the case highlights the importance of regulatory compliance in real estate development. Projects that deviate from approved plans or fail to meet financial obligations can lead to long-term complications. The One Constitution Avenue dispute serves as a reminder of how critical transparency and accountability are in large-scale developments.
At the same time, the government’s decision to intervene and form a committee shows a willingness to address complex issues through dialogue rather than immediate enforcement. By pausing action and allowing time for review, authorities are attempting to strike a balance between legal obligations and humanitarian considerations.
The coming days will be crucial as the committee gathers information, hears from stakeholders, and prepares its report. The outcome could set an important precedent for handling similar disputes in the future, especially those involving high-value properties and multiple parties.
The One Constitution Avenue dispute has entered a new phase with the formation of a high-level review committee. While the situation remains uncertain, this step offers hope for a more structured and fair resolution. As all eyes turn to the committee’s findings, the focus remains on achieving a solution that respects both legal requirements and the rights of those affected.
