The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Pakistan has officially announced the Bahria Icon Tower auction, scheduled for June 19, 2025. This move comes as part of a legal effort to recover an outstanding tax liability of Rs. 26.46 billion from Bahria Town, one of Pakistan’s most prominent real estate developers.
Bahria Icon Tower auction is making headlines not just due to the property’s scale and prestige, but also because of the legal and financial controversies surrounding it. Located in Karachi’s upscale Clifton area, the Icon Tower stands as Pakistan’s tallest skyscraper—soaring 62 stories high, with a height of around 300 meters (984 feet). The building includes residential units, luxury offices, a shopping mall, and a high-end hotel.
The auction, to be conducted just after the federal budget for FY 2025-26, is being carried out under Section 138(2)(a) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, and Rule 162 of the Income Tax Rules, 2002. The FBR’s action aims to address long-standing tax default issues linked to Bahria Town.
Bahria Icon Tower Legal Background and Controversies
While the Bahria Icon Tower is seen as a modern architectural marvel, it has not been free from legal scrutiny. The property has faced decade-long legal battles, including land ownership issues and allegations raised by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in 2019. NAB had claimed that the land on which the tower was constructed was an illegally sold amenity plot originally intended for public use.
Additionally, critics have pointed out the tower’s proximity to a religious shrine, sparking concerns about cultural heritage disruption. There are also environmental concerns related to the building’s impact on Karachi’s seafront.
The announcement of the Bahria Icon Tower auction has triggered widespread debate and commentary on social media, especially on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Many users are calling the move an “iconic fall” for what was once seen as a symbol of Bahria Town’s power and ambition. Others see it as a bold step by the government to hold influential developers accountable for their financial obligations.
With the inclusion of the Mall of Islamabad in the same auction notice, the FBR appears determined to make a significant dent in the recovery of Bahria Town’s unpaid taxes. This has drawn attention not only from financial experts and legal analysts but also from potential investors looking to acquire high-value commercial real estate in Pakistan.
Bahria Icon Tower Auction Date
The Bahria Icon Tower auction on June 19 is expected to attract significant interest due to the property’s high-profile status and prime location in Clifton, Karachi. Market observers believe this could become a landmark case in Pakistan’s property and tax enforcement history.
 Pakistan has officially announced the Bahria Icon Tower auction, scheduled for June 19, 2025. This move comes as part of a legal effort to recover an outstanding tax liability of Rs. 26.46 billion from Bahria Town, one of Pakistan's most prominent real estate developers.){kind=link}