Chaotic scenes unfolded at Islamabad’s luxury residential complex, One Constitution Avenue, after authorities launched a late-night operation following a major court ruling regarding the building’s lease cancellation. Residents reported panic and confusion as police and local administration officials moved door-to-door inside the high-rise, instructing families to vacate their apartments within 24 hours. Several occupants claimed they were given little time to arrange alternative accommodation during the sudden operation.
According to residents, officials entered the premises late at night and continued announcing evacuation orders throughout the building. Some occupants alleged that apartment locks and doors were forcibly opened during the operation. Access roads surrounding the upscale Constitution Avenue complex were also reportedly sealed, adding to tensions and uncertainty among families residing inside the building.
The operation followed a significant ruling by the Islamabad High Court, which upheld the Capital Development Authority decision to cancel the lease of One Constitution Avenue. The court dismissed petitions filed by BNP (Private) Limited, the project’s developer, along with appeals submitted by apartment owners seeking relief against the cancellation order.
The legal dispute dates back to 2005, when land on Constitution Avenue was leased for 99 years for the development of a five-star hotel project. However, authorities argued that the developer later converted the project into luxury residential and commercial apartments that were subsequently sold to buyers. This change reportedly triggered years of legal disputes and regulatory challenges involving multiple institutions.
During court proceedings, CDA maintained that the developer failed to fulfill financial commitments linked to the project. Authorities informed the court that liabilities had reached nearly Rs17.5 billion, while only about Rs2.9 billion had been paid over two decades. Officials also referred to previous rulings and statements allegedly acknowledging the company’s inability to continue the project because of financial and economic difficulties.
The controversy has attracted attention from several state institutions over the years, including investigations by the Federal Investigation Agency and proceedings involving the National Accountability Bureau. Meanwhile, residents say uncertainty continues to grow as authorities have yet to clearly explain compensation details, relocation arrangements, or the future legal status of apartment owners following the court-backed eviction drive.
