Controversial Islamabad Building to Become 5-Star Hotel

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi revealed plans to transform Islamabad’s controversial One Constitution Avenue project into a five-star hotel in the coming months, returning the structure to its intended use. This announcement came after the federal cabinet approved a joint investigation team (JIT) report concerning the project. During a press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, Naqvi stated that the government would seek a major international hotel chain to operate the property.

"We will make every effort to convert this building into a five-star hotel within the next few months, which was its original purpose," the interior minister declared. He pointed out the city’s scarcity of hotel accommodations and expressed optimism that the government would soon finalize an agreement with an international hotel chain.

Naqvi mentioned that the cabinet’s approval of the JIT findings had cleared the path for the government to assume legal ownership of the property. He explained that while the Capital Development Authority (CDA) already held possession in its official records, the cabinet’s decision provided the requisite legal foundation. The minister informed that the CDA’s member administration would promptly assume responsibility for the building’s affairs, emphasizing that the government aimed to have the hotel operational as soon as feasible.

He also assured that the government would compensate individuals entitled to payments per the JIT’s recommendations.