Imran exited controversial project in 2022

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict, which provided legal cover to the otherwise controversial One Constitution Avenue project, significantly boosted its market value and attracted around 70 new high-net-worth investors. Former prime minister Imran Khan was also among these investors, but sources told Dawn that the cricketer-turned politician had already sold his apartment (C11E) in 2022 and this property is now registered in the name of Shahid Naseer. The Supreme Court bench, headed by then chief justice Saqib Nisar and comprising Justices Ijazul Ahsan and Faisal Arab, in its verdict had directed the defaulting construction company to pay Rs17.5 billion to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in eight annual installments. Before becoming a judge, Justice Ahsan had also served as a lawyer of the said company. The company deposited first installment of Rs1.7 billion, but later reneged on its commitment. SC’s 2019 ruling triggered investment surge in contested high rise According to the sources, the project witnessed a surge in buying and selling activity, following the 2019 SC verdict and around 70 new individuals made their investments in this multi-billion rupees project. According to the documents, the company had deposited Rs2.9 billion, which is 16 per cent of the total cost. Prominent among those who own apartments in the building include Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, former State Bank governor Ashraf Wathra, former Pemra chairman and now TV anchor Absar Alam, former chief justice of Pakistan Nasirul Mulk, former chief justice of Lahore High Court Iftikhar Hussain Chaudhry, former naval chief Mohammad Asif Sandila, former foreign secretary Salman Bashir, retired Lt-Gen Ahsan Azhar Hayat, television celebrity Faryal Gauhar, former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani, former defence minister late Ahmed Mukhtar, Khawaja Asad, son of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, former MNA Kashmala Tariq, Saqib Barjees, the son of former federal minister Bar