Minister says no one above law after CDA razes One Constitution Avenue building

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State Talal Chaudhry said on Friday that the government was taking action against illegal land occupations and unauthorised constructions without discrimination, after the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad district administration demolished the high-profile “One Constitution Avenue” building in the capital’s Red Zone.

Addressing a press conference in Faisalabad, Chaudhry said the state had “once again reaffirmed its stance” against encroachments and unlawful use of land, stressing that enforcement of law and order remained a priority and that “rich or poor, everyone will be treated equally under the law.”

Referring to the One Constitution Avenue project, he said the land in Islamabad’s high-security Red Zone had been leased in 2005 to multiple companies for hotel development, with several major business groups, including a consortium linked to the BNP Group, initially involved in the project.

He said the lease was cancelled in 2016, after which the CDA regained control of the property.

Chaudhry alleged that the land had originally been leased at around Rs70,000 per square foot and later became part of complex financial and legal disputes involving loans and defaulted payments.

He said the project had been used as collateral to secure financing from the Bank of Punjab and that instalment payments were not honoured, resulting in a default situation.

The minister said the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) later took up the matter following allegations of financial irregularities. He added that the case had moved through various legal forums over the years, including proceedings before different judges of the superior judiciary.

Chaudhry further alleged that despite court restrictions, advertisements for apartment construction were issued and CDA notices were ignored.

He said the property, spanning around 13 acres and valued at an estimated Rs20–25 billion, remains under CDA control.

Reiterating the government’s stance, Chaudhry said no individual or organisation is above the law, adding that authorities were working to eliminate encroachments and ensure transparent land use across the country.