Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the formation of a high-level JIT to investigate matters related to the One Constitution Avenue project. The decision was taken following a recommendation submitted by the Cabinet Division.
According to an official notification, the high-level JIT has been given 60 days to complete its inquiry and submit a detailed report. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has been assigned the responsibility of issuing the notification and providing secretarial support to the investigation team.
The committee will be headed by a Grade 21 officer from NAB. It will include senior officials of Grade 21 and above from several federal institutions.
Representatives from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and Intelligence Bureau (IB) will also serve as members of the committee.
The high-level JIT has been tasked with examining the legal and administrative aspects of the One Constitution Avenue case. It will review all relevant records and determine whether any further action is required.
The notification also directs all federal ministries, divisions, and government departments to fully cooperate with the investigation team. Officials have been instructed to provide documents and assistance whenever requested by the committee.
The recommendation to establish the investigation team was made by a committee led by the federal law minister. The proposal was later approved by the prime minister.
The latest development follows a recent ruling by the Islamabad High Court regarding the One Constitution Avenue dispute.
The court dismissed a petition filed against the cancellation of BNP Private Limited’s lease. It ruled that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) acted lawfully when it terminated the lease.
In its written judgment, the court noted that the company had failed to meet financial obligations set under earlier Supreme Court directions.
According to the court, the company paid its installment for 2021 but did not submit the required payment of Rs2.916 billion for 2022 despite receiving reminders.
The judgment further stated that the lease cancellation was carried out in line with the Supreme Court’s 2019 order. Under that decision, the company had been directed to pay Rs17.5 billion over a period of eight years.
The Islamabad High Court also rejected objections raised by the company regarding procedural issues. In addition, the court dismissed its execution petition.
With the formation of the new investigation team, authorities aim to conduct a detailed review of all legal and administrative matters linked to the project.
Officials believe the high-level JIT will help ensure a comprehensive examination of the case while coordinating with all relevant institutions. The committee is expected to present its findings within the 60-day timeframe outlined in the official notification.
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