Victims of the One Constitution Avenue fraud to receive compensation

The Federal Government has announced compensation for individuals affected by an alleged fraud involving the 'One Constitution Avenue' project in Islamabad. The government has also approved the report submitted by a committee tasked with investigating the matter, which includes a recommendation to rename the project.

Irregularities Identified in Investigation

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, speaking at a press conference alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, stated that the Prime Minister had established a committee to investigate irregularities concerning 'One Constitution Avenue.' The Cabinet has now approved the committee's report.

According to Ahsan Iqbal, the report proposes changing the project's name, as the title 'One Constitution Avenue' was allegedly obtained through fraudulent means.

He noted that rules and regulations were disregarded during the project, and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) also demonstrated negligence regarding these irregularities. He assured that all legal requirements pertaining to the project would be fulfilled.

The Federal Minister mentioned that the first building at the 'One Constitution Avenue' site belongs to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and confirmed that those affected by the project would be compensated.

Three-Month Deadline for NAB Investigation

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry stated that people were defrauded through alleged facilitation, emphasizing that the victims bear no fault in this matter. He added that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has been granted a three-month timeframe to file a reference. Meanwhile, according to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has proposed referring the matter to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for further investigation. He stated that NAB would investigate the case on its merits.

The project will be converted into a five-star hotel.

Earlier, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had announced that 'One Constitution Avenue' would be converted into a five-star hotel, with efforts underway to complete the work on the project within a few months.

Mohsin Naqvi also confirmed that the Cabinet has approved the investigation report, following which the government has taken possession of the project. He added that those affected would also be compensated.