ISLAMABAD: A multibillion housing project once envisioned to provide affordable apartments now stands abandoned, as delays by the federal government and the Capital Development Authority continue to stall its revival. The Nilor Heights project, launched in 2021, has been left incomplete, with its structure rapidly deteriorating.

Originally scheduled for completion by June 2023, the project was halted midway after financial disputes with the Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority. Officials confirmed that the partner authority failed to release its share of funds, forcing the CDA to suspend construction after completing the grey structure of 60 residential blocks.

Since then, the site has remained idle, raising concerns over structural decay and financial losses. CDA officials say billions of rupees have already been invested, and urgent intervention is needed to prevent further damage and revive the stalled development.

Authorities have now forwarded a summary to the federal government, seeking clear directives on the future of the project. A high level briefing to the prime minister is expected after Eid, where options such as completing the project through CDA resources or offering it for open market sale will be considered.

Audit findings have also highlighted serious lapses, revealing that over 62 percent of the approved funds were utilised without achieving completion targets. The delay has resulted in significant revenue loss, with projected earnings of billions yet to be realised.

Initially designed to provide housing for low income groups, the project later became mired in controversy after plans emerged to sell units to overseas Pakistanis. Legal challenges and policy shifts further complicated progress, leaving the once promising housing scheme in limbo and thousands of potential beneficiaries uncertain about its future.