IHC Dismisses Plea Against Lease Cancellation in One Constitution Avenue Case

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court has issued its written verdict in the One Constitution Avenue case, rejecting a petition filed against the cancellation of the project’s lease.
Chief Justice Justice Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar authored the detailed judgment, upholding the Capital Development Authority decision dated March 8, 2023, declaring the lease cancellation lawful.
According to the ruling, the petitioner failed to comply with financial conditions set by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The court noted that the cancellation of the lease by CDA was in line with the authority granted by the Supreme Court, adding that the petitioner did not utilize the “lifeline opportunity” provided earlier.
The judgment stated that investors may seek relief from the appropriate legal forum. It also declared the petitioner’s Rs. 5 billion cheque insufficient and rejected objections regarding a technical flaw in the 30-day notice.
The court highlighted that the company defaulted on its 2022 installment of Rs. 2.916 billion, despite having paid the 2021 installment. It recalled that the Supreme Court, in its January 9, 2019 decision, had restored the lease on the condition that Rs. 17.5 billion be paid over eight years. Following repeated reminders, CDA issued a notice on February 7, 2023, and subsequently canceled the lease on March 8, 2023.
Separately, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that there has been no change in the government’s stance on One Constitution Avenue. Speaking informally to journalists, he termed the matter one of the biggest alleged fraud cases in Pakistan’s history, claiming that it involved judges, bureaucrats, politicians, and bankers.
He further said that individuals responsible for causing financial losses to the country should be held accountable, emphasizing the need for strict action against those involved.