Rawalpindi (Digital Post) Mall 35 Buyers Demand Possession, Transparency and Fulfillment of Commitments, Urge Full Operationalization by December 2026

RAWALPINDI (Digital Post): Buyers affected by Mall 35 Rawalpindi have demanded that they be given immediate and unconditional possession of their paid commercial units, that unclear escalation charges be withdrawn, rental commitments be honored, and the project be made fully operational by December 2026. They appealed to the Chief Minister of Punjab, the Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board, and the Station Commander Rawalpindi Cantonment to take immediate notice of the matter and ensure justice for the buyers.

The affected buyers, including Aitzaz Hassan, Zakir Hussain, Syed Zahid Hussain, Hadia Nusrat, and Muhammad Ijaz, addressed a press conference at the Rawalpindi Press Club. They stated that Mall 35 is a joint project of Zameen.com, Zameen Developments, and EBCO Constructions (Private) Limited, launched in 2019. According to their agreements, the project was scheduled for completion in November 2022. However, as of August 2026, a number of buyers have still not received possession of their shops and kiosks.

According to the buyers, they invested their lifetime savings in the project with the expectation of receiving timely possession and rental income. However, the prolonged delay has caused them serious financial difficulties and uncertainty.

The affected buyers said that the hotel apartments at Mall 35 have been operational since February 2025, while buyers of commercial shops and kiosks are still waiting for their keys. They said that more than 100 affected families have now united under the platform of the “Mall 35 Buyers Collective Group” to collectively raise their voice for their legitimate rights.

The buyers alleged that some purchasers who had paid their installments in full or to a substantial extent were subsequently issued demands for large additional payments in the name of escalation charges. According to them, the total value of such demands issued to just 13 members of the group exceeds Rs. 30 million, with individual buyers being asked to pay additional amounts ranging from Rs. 400,000 to Rs. 6 million. The buyers said they had not been provided with any clear calculation, index, or formula explaining how these additional amounts were determined.

During the press conference, it was stated that under their agreements, several buyers had already paid between 85 and 90 percent of the total amounts due, while some had also paid escalation and possession charges. Despite this, they said, they had neither been given possession of their units nor received the rental payments promised under the agreements.

The buyers further claimed that at different stages they were provided with different terms, timelines, and contractual conditions. They also alleged that they faced pressure to sign revised documents before being granted possession.

The affected buyers also expressed concerns regarding taxes imposed on Mall 35 purchasers. They said taxes had allegedly been collected from buyers who had not yet received possession of their units. They further claimed that substantial amounts had been deducted as taxes from the rental income of hotel apartment owners.

They demanded that buyers be provided with complete details regarding the nature, rate, legal basis, and proof of deposit of every tax collected, and that any amounts collected without lawful justification be refunded.

The buyers further stated that Mall 35 had provided written assurances regarding exclusive leasing rights and an expected minimum rental income equivalent to five percent of the purchase price. However, despite these written assurances, they alleged that the commitments regarding leasing and rental income had not been fulfilled.

They also expressed concerns over the possibility of further delays, new financial or tax liabilities, additional conditions for possession, and attempts to limit buyers’ previously established rights through secondary agreements.

The affected buyers demanded that a clear and practical timeline be announced to make Mall 35 fully operational by December 2026. They called for immediate and unconditional possession for all buyers who had fulfilled their payment obligations, withdrawal of unjustified escalation charges, and payment of promised rental income in accordance with the original agreements.

They also demanded that the original agreements be honored and that no buyer be compelled through secondary agreements to surrender their legal or contractual rights.

The affected buyers appealed to the Chief Minister of Punjab to take a personal interest in resolving the matter. They also urged the Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi, CEO Rawalpindi Cantonment Board, and Station Commander Rawalpindi Cantonment to take immediate notice of the issue.

They said that a timely and fair resolution would not only provide relief to the affected families but also help restore the confidence of overseas Pakistanis investing in Pakistan.

The buyers warned that if the matter remains unresolved, they would approach the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and other relevant forums. They said they would also seek formal investigations and legal action if necessary.

The affected buyers clarified that all claims presented by them are based on agreements, payment records, written correspondence, and other documentary evidence in their possession. They said they were prepared to present this evidence before any competent authority for verification and investigation.