IHC Dismisses Appeal Against Lease Cancellation of One Constitution Avenue Building

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court has dismissed an appeal filed against the cancellation of the lease of the high-profile multi-storey building One Constitution Avenue, located in the Red Zone of the federal capital.
Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar announced the verdict after concluding hearings in the case, rejecting the petition filed by BNP Group challenging the decision of the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
According to details, the court issued a short order dismissing the appeal, stating that the arguments presented by the company for restoration of the lease lacked merit. Consequently, the CDA’s decision to cancel the lease has been upheld. A detailed judgment outlining the legal reasoning will be issued later.
The court also disposed of petitions filed by apartment owners in the building, who had approached the court seeking protection of their rights. The decision has raised concerns among hundreds of families who invested in the project, leaving uncertainty about their future.
The dispute has been ongoing for several years. The CDA had cancelled the lease citing non-payment of dues, violations of regulations, and unauthorized alterations in the building’s design. The BNP Group had challenged the move, arguing that the cancellation was unlawful and expressing willingness to meet all requirements.
Earlier, the Supreme Court of Pakistan had also intervened in the matter, directing the company to clear outstanding dues. However, failure to fully comply led to further legal complications.
Following the latest ruling, the CDA now has a clear legal path to take full control of the building. Reports suggest that authorities, accompanied by a heavy police presence, have already directed residents to vacate the premises.
The building’s location near key state institutions, including the Prime Minister’s House and the Supreme Court, has made it strategically and politically significant. All eyes are now on the detailed verdict to see how the rights of residents and apartment owners will be addressed.