ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Trouble deepens for Bahria Town, one of Pakistan’s most prominent real estate developers, as the Supreme Court has ordered the auction of its assets to recover the outstanding dues of its 2019 settlement deal. The move signals a dramatic turn for a company long seen as operating above scrutiny.
The court’s decision follows Bahria Town’s failure to pay Rs460 billion, which it had agreed to deposit in installments over seven years, in return for the legalisation of its sprawling housing scheme in Karachi. However, the promised payments dried up after just a few initial installments—prompting the judiciary to intervene.
At the latest hearing, the legal counsel for Bahria Town, Ali Zafar, requested the court to halt the auction process and allow the company to explore a “dignified solution” to settle dues. He stated that market conditions and political instability had slowed down their business operations and revenue generation, making it difficult to fulfil payment obligations.
The bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, was not swayed. “You had the money when you needed the court’s relief,” observed the CJP, questioning Bahria Town’s sincerity and financial transparency. He added that the rule of law must apply equally to all—regardless of wealth or influence.
Meanwhile, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officials informed the court that they had initiated steps to evaluate and auction off Bahria’s assets to recover dues. The court has asked for detailed progress reports in the next hearing.
Public sentiment around the case remains divided. While critics of Bahria Town see this as long-overdue accountability, supporters argue that the housing giant has contributed significantly to urban development and job creation.
Still, the real question remains: will this be the final chapter in the saga of Bahria Town’s legal troubles, or just another twist in a story that continues to grip national headlines?
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.