Islamabad: The multibillion Nilor Heights housing project remains stalled and is gradually deteriorating as authorities await a final decision from the federal government on its future.
Launched in 2021 by the Capital Development Authority in partnership with the Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority, the project was scheduled for completion within 24 months. However, work came to a halt in 2023 after the partner authority failed to contribute its share of funding.
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Officials said that while the grey structure of 60 residential blocks has been completed, the site now lies abandoned, with signs of structural decay becoming increasingly visible. The project was originally designed to provide affordable housing units to low-income groups, alongside a commercial component.
A senior official confirmed that a summary has been forwarded to the federal government, seeking clear directives regarding the project’s revival. After the Eid holidays, officials from the CDA and the Interior Ministry are expected to present multiple options to the prime minister.
“These include completing the project through CDA’s own resources or offering it for sale in the open market,” the official said, adding that the role of NPHDA has effectively ended.
According to audit findings, the project had an approved cost exceeding Rs15 billion, with over Rs8 billion already spent by mid-2024. The report noted that delays in execution and unmet financial commitments resulted in significant revenue losses.
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The scheme initially included 2,400 small apartments in its first phase, most of which are structurally complete, while a second phase aimed at constructing larger units remains unfinished.
Legal disputes further complicated progress after changes in the allocation plan led to court cases, ultimately halting balloting and delaying the project’s completion.