Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that the government has taken legal possession of One Constitution Avenue after approving the report of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), while efforts will be made to convert the building into a five-star hotel in the next few months.
While holding a press conference with federal ministers in Islamabad, Mohsin Naqvi said that the government had been waiting for the JIT report for a long time. After the report came out and the cabinet approved the building, the government has got legal control of the building.
He said that One Constitution Avenue will be converted into a hotel according to its original purpose. In this regard, an attempt will also be made to sign an agreement with a major hotel chain so that work on the project can start soon.
According to the Interior Minister, government lands have been encroached on a large scale in Islamabad. He said that pressure was also exerted from various quarters during the anti-encroachment operation, however, the government is firm on its decision to reclaim government lands.
Mohsin Naqvi said that the day an attempt was made to take possession of One Constitution Avenue, an atmosphere was created as if the government had done something wrong. He also mentioned the Prime Minister’s full support in this matter.
He clarified that the government’s aim is to implement the same law for the rich and the poor. Efforts will be made to return the money due to those affected by the project.
The Interior Minister said that government land, no matter where it is located, will be cleared of encroachments. No concessions will be made in taking action against those who occupy government land.
It should be noted that the One Constitution Avenue project was initially approved as a five-star hotel, but it was later converted into residential apartments and commercial spaces. After the cancellation of the lease of the project and a legal dispute, the Islamabad High Court also upheld the decision of the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
On the other hand, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal told a press conference that the JIT has identified alleged irregularities in the project and manipulation in the bidding process. According to him, the report was presented before the federal cabinet and its recommendations were approved.
