ISLAMABAD – June 5, 2025:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday suspended the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) move to auction properties owned by Bahria Town, issuing a stay order in response to a petition filed by the real estate developer.
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif issued the order, barring any disciplinary or coercive action against Bahria Town. The court observed that, according to the petitioner, Bahria Town (Pvt) Ltd. is a private construction company, and not an accused, party, or absconder in the £190 million corruption reference currently being pursued by NAB.
Despite this, NAB had moved to seize and auction Bahria Town’s assets, prompting the company to challenge the legality of the move. The court noted the petitioner’s argument that NAB acted without legal basis in targeting the company’s properties.
Following the issuance of the stay, the court served notices to NAB and other relevant respondents, seeking detailed replies. The hearing has been adjourned indefinitely.
The auction of Bahria Town’s properties had been advertised by NAB for June 12, which now stands suspended pending further proceedings.
