IT is seriously disconcerting that the Bahria Town (BT) Icon Tower, a landmark project that was once going on with full steam, has ground to a complete halt. There are reportedly some issues about the legality of land acquisition. There are also rumours about some taxation issues. Where were the regulators while the illegality, if any, was being committed? Why did they wake up only after hundreds of people invested their money in the project?

The builder and the regulators should get together and sort out whatever it is that is creating hurdles in the completion of the project. I hope it does not suffer the same fate as did the Hyatt project, a massive structure adjacent to the PIDC House, which is now home to all sorts of creatures after being defunct for years.

The relevant authorities, whoever they are, must come forward and facilitate an agreement to hand over the apartments to their respective buyers, like me, who have cleared their dues several years ago based on the terms that were agreed by both the parties.

However, despite repeated follow-ups, the building firm has failed to make any progress towards keeping its part of the deal. This delay is a breach of trust, and is causing financial hardship and stress to the affected. Furthermore, it also raises serious concerns regarding the regulators’ role in effectively performing the duties and safeguarding the rights of the people.

Ghazala Monem
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2025