Bahria Town has now formally filed an appeal at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, challenging the Islamabad High Court judgment allowing NAB to auction its properties. In the legal request, filed through Advocate Farooq H. Naik, Bahria Town pleads with the IHC judgment to be nullified. In addition, the appeal asks the top court to suspend the scheduled auction on August 7 until the final verdict is given.
Background: NAB Auction of Bahria Town Properties
Previously, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) said that it would auction several high-profile Bahria Town properties on August 7, 2025, as part of an effort to recover dues tied to a £190 million settlement default. The properties are:
- Corporate Offices in Phase II of Bahria Town Rawalpindi
- Rubaish Marquee and Lawn in Bahria Garden City
- Arena Cinema in Phase IV
- Bahria International School building in Safari Villas
- Safari Club at plot 27 Safari Villas
Legal Strategy & Arguments by Bahria Town
Bahria Town contends in its appeal that the IHC ruling was erroneous. Farooq H. Naik’s renowned lawyer represents the petition, which states:
- The ruling of the IHC must be annulled and declared void
- NAB auction notice is illegal, misleading and malicious
- An urgent hearing is requested prior to any sale of a property
On the other hand, NAB’s side led by Muhammad Rafay Maqsood argues that the auction proceeds are in the public interest and legally supported.
Market & Industry Impact
The legal war has raised nationwide concern throughout Pakistan’s real estate and investment markets:
- Investor confidence rattled as a high‑profile company battles lawsuits
- Bahria Town asserts its business is paralyzed—cash flow ruined, workers unpaid, daily services suspended
- Stakeholders worry about precedent: will property attachments become the new norm?
What’s at Stake: Why This Appeal Matters
- Reversal of IHC verdict: A Supreme Court stay could halt the auction and restore financial stability.
- Investor signal: A ruling favoring Bahria Town would signal stronger legal protections for developers.
- Precedent in property law: This could influence future NAB attachments and auctions—impacting thousands of Pakistani real estate projects.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 2025 | NAB first auctions properties; IHC serves stay order |
| August 5–6, 2025 | IHC rejects Bahria Town petitions; NAB confirms August 7 auction |
| August 6, 2025 | Bahria Town requests appeal at Supreme Court to delay auction |
| August 7, 2025 | Auction date set—unless stayed by SC |
Conclusion: What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court now has the authority to put on hold the August 7 auction and reverse Islamabad High Court’s decision. With millions of rupees worth of property on the line and public interest involved, the ruling is more than juridical—it’s symbolic. Uncertainty in the real estate market could follow unless clarity is established.
Stakeholders such as residents, investors and institutions will be closely observing the SC’s reaction. If the court is willing to grant a stay and expedite hearings, Bahria Town could get some space. Otherwise, high-profile assets may be offloaded, and ripple effects will follow.
FAQs
What will happen to Bahria Town?
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has announced a public auction of several major Bahria Town properties owned by real estate tycoon Malik Riaz. The auction is scheduled for August 7, 2025, at NAB’s Rawalpindi Office in G-6/1, Islamabad, following formal approval by the Islamabad High Court.
Is it safe to invest in Bahria Town?
Real estate investing is one of the most rewarding financial ventures. Bahria Town in Lahore attracts people who look for high profit, security, and elegance, and this known housing society gives numerous benefits, making it the ideal place to invest in real estate, regardless of the level of experience
Is Bahria Town leased?
Ownership Structure: Bahria Town has a leasehold business model. That is, instead of giving absolute ownership of property to the buyer, it gives a time-bound lease. Generally, the time would be 99 years.
