ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has initiated a request for a third-party forensic audit concerning the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) Legal Facilitation Centre project, which has seen costs escalate significantly.
Concerns Over Project Execution
This demand arises from ongoing issues related to the main IHC building, which faced criticism for various construction flaws, including faulty elevators and an ineffective cooling system. The original budget for the facilitation centre was set at Rs1.446 billion, but it has now surged to over Rs2.07 billion due to approved variations.
Independent Technical Audit Requested
The CDA has filed a contempt application with the IHC, seeking the appointment of an independent technical auditor, preferably the National Engineering Services of Pakistan (NESPAK). This audit aims to verify the executed work and address concerns about excess quantities and pending approvals amounting to Rs492 million.
Public Importance and Future Implications
The facilitation centre project has become a matter of public interest, with a revised completion date now set for December 2026. The CDA has urged the court to intervene to protect public funds and mitigate the risk of future litigation. The court’s involvement could reveal further issues related to project management and financial transparency.
