Washington, 14 July, 2023 (GNP): The federal government has successfully concluded the sale of a government-owned historical building in downtown Washington, DC, in compliance with its instructions.
According to recent reports, Abdul Hafeez Khan, a Pakistani-American, purchased the property with the highest bid of $7.1 million, subsequently receiving approval from the federal cabinet.
To commemorate this milestone, a ceremony was held at the Lincoln Library, Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Washington DC. Prominent attendees included Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Congressman Gregory Meeks, and former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.
During the event, Johnson extended her congratulations to Khan for his acquisition of the historic building. She highlighted his accomplishments and offered her best wishes for his future endeavors.
In his speech, Pakistan Ambassador Masood Khan expressed satisfaction with the sale and transfer of the property in accordance with the cabinet’s decision.
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Meanwhile, Khan expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the federal cabinet for accepting his offer. As a Pakistani-American citizen, he emphasized the pride he feels in owning a building that has served the Pakistani community for decades.
For nearly two decades, residents and local political leaders in downtown Washington, DC, had voiced concerns about the deteriorating condition of the former Pakistani consulate. The building, situated at the corner of 22nd and R streets, stood out unfavorably in an otherwise upscale neighborhood, reported by the sources.
With boarded-up windows, littered doorways, and overgrown weeds in the abandoned parking lot, the city had limited authority to address the issue, given its classification as a diplomatic property by the State Department.
The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) uncovered that the repair and renovation of two government-owned historical buildings on the US capitol’s embassy row had consumed approximately $7 million. However, one building remains dilapidated, while the other is on the verge of collapse.
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Consequently, during its meeting on 30 November, 2022, the federal cabinet decided to sell the building due to the exorbitant maintenance costs involved.
The successful sale of this historical building represents a significant achievement, ensuring a new chapter in its preservation and revitalization. The Pakistani-American community celebrates this milestone, recognizing the value it brings to the cultural heritage and community spirit.
