Ex-Finance Minister Named Mastermind of One Constitution Avenue Scandal

A joint investigation team has identified former finance minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh as the alleged mastermind behind the One Constitution Avenue scandal in Islamabad, while naming several former Capital Development Authority officials for their alleged involvement in the case.

Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal confirmed the findings during a press conference, stating that the government would not provide protection to anyone involved in the irregularities. The investigation report points to systemic flaws and deliberate actions that compromised public assets in the capital city.

Details of the Joint Investigation Team Findings

According to the investigation report, Shaikh worked in coordination with Capital Development Authority officials, including former chairman Kamran Lashari, Faisal Awan and Azhar Ali Chaudhry. The inquiry examined how administrative decisions were executed to favour specific parties during the handling of the property.

The joint investigation team found that the project caused financial losses to the national exchequer while allowing individuals and their associates to gain undue benefits. Investigators reviewed financial records, meeting minutes and policy files to trace the chain of command and the specific approvals that enabled the transactions.

Recommendations Issued by Investigators

Following the conclusion of the inquiry, the investigative panel issued several strict administrative and legal recommendations. These steps aim to recover lost public funds and establish accountability within the public sector.

  • Blacklisting Abdul Hafeez Shaikh from participating in any future government projects.
  • Calling for the National Accountability Bureau to accelerate its ongoing investigation into the matter.
  • Filing a formal reference with the anti-corruption watchdog within a three-month deadline.
  • Investigating the case further to take comprehensive legal action against all responsible parties.

Government Response and Transparent Re-Auction Plans

Federal authorities have moved quickly to address the fallout from the investigative report. Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal confirmed the findings during his media address and outlined the path forward for the disputed property.

He said the government would arrange a transparent re-auction of the project to recover value for the public. By opening the asset to fair market competition, authorities hope to correct past deviations from standard procurement rules.

Background of the One Constitution Avenue Project

The One Constitution Avenue development in Islamabad has long been a subject of public scrutiny and legal battles. Situated in a prime location near prominent government buildings, the luxury residential and commercial towers faced numerous regulatory hurdles over the years.

Questions arose regarding the initial allotment of the land, lease terms, and changes in building bylaws that permitted higher commercial density than originally planned. Previous legal challenges focused on whether the developers received illegal concessions from municipal regulators.

Role of the Capital Development Authority

The Capital Development Authority functions as the municipal and zoning regulator for Islamabad, responsible for urban planning, land allotment, and municipal services. In high-profile commercial projects, the agency must balance economic development with the protection of public lands.

The recent inquiry scrutinises the actions of former chairman Kamran Lashari and officials Faisal Awan and Azhar Ali Chaudhry. Investigators examined how these officials exercised their discretionary powers and whether their administrative actions adhered to established legal frameworks.

What Comes Next for the Investigation

With the joint investigation team concluding its work and submitting its report, the focus shifts to the National Accountability Bureau. The anti-corruption agency must review the evidence compiled by the investigators and prepare a formal reference for the accountability courts.

Observers will monitor whether the National Accountability Bureau meets the three-month deadline recommended by the probe panel. Meanwhile, preparations for the transparent re-auction announced by Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal will proceed under close government supervision.