Islamabad Capital Territory

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Islamabad/Rawalpindi has scheduled an open auction for October 6, 2026, for The Aquatic Mall in Islamabad and three commercial properties in Bahria Spring, Phase VII, Rawalpindi.

The properties are being offered as part of recovery proceedings in the case titled “Investigation Against Management of Al-Bari Group of Companies & Others.”

NAB officially issued the auction notice on September 25.

The largest asset being offered is The Aquatic Mall, located at Mouza Humak in Zone V, Islamabad, which carries a reserve price of Rs 4.465 billion.

The other three assets are commercial properties in Bahria Spring, Phase VII, Rawalpindi, identified by registration numbers BGH 514, BGH 520 and BGH 521.

According to available auction details, BGH-514, measuring 6.61 kanals, carries a reserve price of Rs 352.98 million, while BGH-520, measuring 8.01 kanals, has been assigned a reserve price of Rs 378.5 million.

The third Bahria Spring property, BGH 521, measures 9.07 kanals and carries a reserve price of Rs 429.89 million.

Together, the four properties have a combined reserve value of approximately Rs 5.63 billion.

The Aquatic Mall was previously marketed as a major commercial development in the GT Road Humak corridor of Islamabad. Its inclusion in the auction means the identified property is now being offered through NAB’s formal recovery and disposal process.

The auction is scheduled to take place at the NAB Islamabad/Rawalpindi office in the Civic Centre, G-6, Islamabad.

Under the announced terms, the properties are being offered on an “as is, where is” basis, while bids below the stipulated reserve prices will not be entertained.

Successful bidders will be required to pay the remaining auction amount within the prescribed period after the auction, while applicable taxes, duties, transfer expenses and other government charges will be borne by the successful purchasers.

The proceedings relate specifically to the assets identified in the auction notice and should not be interpreted as determining the legal or contractual position of other properties or individuals who may have previously booked or claimed interests in the projects.

Any such claims, rights or liabilities would remain subject to the relevant legal record and proceedings before the competent authorities.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
The Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) has moved to accelerate work on its housing project as several pending matters near finalisation, paving the way for the scheme to enter its practical completion and implementation phase.
According to a press release, FGEHA Director General retired Captain Zafar Iqbal said the authority would extend all possible financial, technical and administrative support to ensure the timely and quality completion of the project.
He directed the officials concerned to expedite all development works through effective coordination, integrated planning and strict adherence to prescribed standards.
The DG stressed that timely completion of the project remains a priority and instructed relevant departments and officials to work in close coordination to resolve outstanding issues that could affect the pace of development.
Several pending matters relating to the project are expected to be finalised shortly, a development that is expected to facilitate the transition towards the implementation and completion phase.
Zafar Iqbal said FGEHA's objective was not limited to handing over possession of plots to allottees. Instead, the authority aims to develop a safe, attractive, sustainable and properly serviced residential environment with essential civic and basic amenities.
He emphasised that the quality of development work would remain a key priority throughout the project and said no compromise would be made on construction and infrastructure standards.
The authority will also focus on preserving the natural beauty of the project area while ensuring the provision of necessary infrastructure and essential services for future residents, he added.
The DG directed officials to maintain close oversight of ongoing development activities and ensure that work is carried out in accordance with approved plans and prescribed standards.
He said effective coordination among the departments concerned would be essential to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure that outstanding matters are addressed promptly.
FGEHA said its broader objective is to provide allottees with a well-planned residential environment rather than merely developed plots, with particular emphasis on sustainability, infrastructure, accessibility and essential amenities.
The authority reiterated its commitment to completing the project in a timely manner while maintaining development standards and ensuring that allottees receive a residential environment supported by the required infrastructure and services.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
The number of taxpayers filing income tax returns has increased significantly, but the total tax paid along with the returns has declined. According to data compiled by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Rs 77.3 billion was paid with income tax returns by September 30, 2026, compared with Rs 83.3 billion during the same period last year.

The data shows that the number of income tax return filers increased by 45 percent over the year. However, the tax paid along with the returns recorded a decline of around 7 percent during the period under review.

The FBR data also showed a decline in the number of companies filing their income tax returns. A total of 7,953 companies had filed their returns by September 30, 2026, compared with 11,206 companies by the same date last year.

The decline in corporate tax payments was also significant. Companies had paid around Rs 49 billion in tax along with their returns during the corresponding period last year, while the amount fell to Rs 39.1 billion by September 30, 2026.

The figures indicate a divergence between the number of taxpayers filing returns and the amount of tax being paid along with those returns. While the overall number of return filers increased substantially, the tax collected with the returns declined compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.

The latest FBR figures cover the position as of September 30, 2026, and provide a year on year comparison of income tax filing and payment trends.

The corporate sector figures were particularly notable, with both the number of companies filing returns and the amount of tax paid with those returns lower than the levels recorded during the same period last year.

The data provides an indication of the changes in income tax filing and payment patterns during the period and comes as the FBR continues to monitor tax return filing and revenue collection through the income tax system.