Pakistan has sold a historic building in the heart of Washington, DC for $7.1 million. The property had been vacant since 2003 and was finally taken off the government's hands by Pakistani businessman Hafeez Khan.

The building, which was formerly owned by the Pakistan Embassy, was put for sale a few months back, after it underwent a change in its property classification. The News reports that the historic building was downgraded to blighted status by the District of Columbia, which ultimately resulted in increased taxes on its assessed value.

<h2>A crumbling building</h2>

According to the report, the now-crumbling building underwent a change of class status and was put up for auction last year.

The well-known R Street building, which previously functioned as a chancery, attracted three bids. However, the bidding process was reportedly abruptly cancelled by Pakistani authorities without providing any explanation.

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The highest bid received at that time was $6.8 million, while the pre-auction evaluation benchmarked the building's value at $4.5 million.

Having remained unoccupied for over a decade, the building lost its diplomatic status in 2018, making it subject to local government taxes.

<h2>A class 4 building</h2>

Earlier this year, the local authorities further downgraded the property status, classifying it as Class 4 — taxed at $10 per $100 of assessed value — due to its deteriorated condition, which added more burden to the national finances.

The Department of Buildings of the local government determines a building as blighted if it poses a threat to health, safety, or general welfare. Factors considered include whether the building is boarded up, if doors, windows, and other openings are secure, if exterior walls are free from damage, graffiti, and decay, and if exposed metal and wood surfaces are protected.

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Official documents reveal that the Pakistani government did not receive any tax relief on the property from 2018 onwards.

Initially classified as Class 2 from 2018 to 2019 due to its commercial nature, the building was later categorized as Class 3 from 2020 to 2022 as it remained vacant. In April 2023, the property's classification was further downgraded to Class 4, reflecting its deteriorated condition.

Due to a lack of proper maintenance, the building deteriorated over time, despite former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani approving repairs through a $7 million loan from the National Bank of Pakistan in 2010.

Pakistan has sold a historic building in the heart of Washington, DC for $7.1 million. The property had been vacant since 2003 and was finally taken off the government's hands by Pakistani businessman Hafeez Khan.

Pakistan has sold a historic building in the heart of Washington, DC for $7.1 million. The property had been vacant since 2003 and was finally taken off the government's hands by Pakistani businessman Hafeez Khan. The building, which was formerly owned by the Pakistan Embassy, was put for sale a few months back, after it underwent a change in its property classification. The News reports that the historic building was downgraded to blighted status by the District of Columbia, which ultimately resulted in increased taxes on its assessed value. A crumbling building According to the report, the now-crumbling building underwent a change of class status and was put up for auction last year. The well-known R Street building, which previously functioned as a chancery, attracted three bids. However, the bidding process was reportedly abruptly cancelled by Pakistani authorities without providing any explanation. Also read | IMF approves $3 billion bailout for Pakistan, offers respite to crumbling economy The highest bid received at that time was $6.8 million, while the pre-auction evaluation benchmarked the building's value at $4.5 million. Having remained unoccupied for over a decade, the building lost its diplomatic status in 2018, making it subject to local government taxes. A class 4 building Earlier this year, the local authorities further downgraded the property status, classifying it as Class 4 — taxed at $10 per $100 of assessed value — due to its deteriorated condition, which added more burden to the national finances. The Department of Buildings of the local government determines a building as blighted if it poses a threat to health, safety, or general welfare. Factors considered include whether the building is boarded up, if doors, windows, and other openings are secure, if exterior walls are free from damage, graffiti, and decay, and if exposed metal and wood surfaces are protected. Also read | India backs Pakistan’s resolution at UN condemning Quran burning protests Official documents reveal that the Pakistani government did not receive any tax relief on the property from 2018 onwards. Initially classified as Class 2 from 2018 to 2019 due to its commercial nature, the building was later categorized as Class 3 from 2020 to 2022 as it remained vacant. In April 2023, the property's classification was further downgraded to Class 4, reflecting its deteriorated condition. Due to a lack of proper maintenance, the building deteriorated over time, despite former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani approving repairs through a $7 million loan from the National Bank of Pakistan in 2010.

Pakistan sells Washington-based historic former embassy building for $7.1 million

According to reports, Pakistan Embassy in Washington had kept several of its contractual employees without salaries due to lack of funds. With dwindling forex reserves, Pakistan’s default risk has worsened.

Pakistan Embassy in Washington faces shortage of funds, employees face salary delays

While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Pakistan </a>Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Imran Khan</a> continues to harp about the rights of the people of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Kashmir</a>, he is now facing protests about Pakistan's continued interference in Jammu and&nbsp;Kashmir.

People from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-slams-pakistan-over-imran-khans-remarks-summons-pak-diplomat-recalls-its-envoy-205858">Afghanistan </a>protested outside the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Pakistan </a>embassy in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Kabul </a>against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Islamabad</a>'s continued interference in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Kashmir </a>and in Afghanistan.

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The protesters were seen carrying placards like ''down with Pakistan'' and ''Pakistan is enemy''.

They also demanded the release of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pashtun-tahaffuz-movement-stage-protest-against-state-atrocities-133496">Manzoor Pashteen</a>, the chief of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pashtun-tahaffuz-movement-stage-protest-against-state-atrocities-133496">Pashtun Tahafuz Movement</a>, a movement for the protection of ethnic Pashtun people in Pakistan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pashtun-tahaffuz-movement-stage-protest-against-state-atrocities-133496">Meet Manzoor Pashteen, the man leading protests to defy Pakistan army</a>

The 27-year-old activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-slams-pakistan-over-imran-khans-remarks-summons-pak-diplomat-recalls-its-envoy-205858">Pashteen</a>, was arrested along with nine supporters in Peshawar last month and has been sent to jail on a 14-day judicial remand.

The protests dampened the embassy's plans to hold the so-called Kashmir solidarity day which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-slams-pakistan-over-imran-khans-remarks-summons-pak-diplomat-recalls-its-envoy-205858">Pakistan </a>observes every year on February 5.

Pakistan has been marking this day since 1990 by calling for the secession of Kashmir from India.

While Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan continues to harp about the rights of the people of Kashmir, he is now facing protests about Pakistan's continued interference in Jammu and Kashmir.

While Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan continues to harp about the rights of the people of Kashmir, he is now facing protests about Pakistan's continued interference in Jammu and Kashmir. People from Afghanistan protested outside the Pakistan embassy in Kabul against Islamabad's continued interference in Kashmir and in Afghanistan. Also read: Calling Imran Khan’s bluff: India needs to realign its Pakistan policy The protesters were seen carrying placards like ''down with Pakistan'' and ''Pakistan is enemy''. They also demanded the release of Manzoor Pashteen, the chief of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, a movement for the protection of ethnic Pashtun people in Pakistan. Also read: Meet Manzoor Pashteen, the man leading protests to defy Pakistan army The 27-year-old activist Pashteen, was arrested along with nine supporters in Peshawar last month and has been sent to jail on a 14-day judicial remand. The protests dampened the embassy's plans to hold the so-called Kashmir solidarity day which Pakistan observes every year on February 5. Pakistan has been marking this day since 1990 by calling for the secession of Kashmir from India.

Afghans protest outside Pakistan embassy in Kabul

A rally was organised outside the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/representatives-of-pak-embassy-abu-dhabi-to-attend-oic-meet-200551">Pakistan embassy</a> in Washington on Sunday to protest against Islamabad sponsored terrorism.

Two congressional candidates from Virginia and American veterans who fought and worked in Afghanistan were among those who participated in the rally 'Veterans Rally against terror state Pakistan'.

Demonstrators held placards and chanted slogans against Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism. A few protesters were seen holding a banner that read, 'Pakistan has been involved in more than 90 per cent of all terror attack that has happened in the past 20 years within the United States'.

Pakistan has been repeatedly asked by the international community to take action against state-sponsored terrorism.

The demonstrators also held posters demanding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2611-mumbai-attacks-pm-narendra-modi-pens-emotional-letter-to-israeli-survivor-moshe-265779">26/11 Mumbai </a>attack culprits to be brought to justice.

Mumbai had come to a standstill <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/11-year-of-2611-mumbai-attack-see-how-the-world-cinema-has-narrated-the-deadliest-memories-264627">11 years ago</a> on November 26 when 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists who came to the city via sea route from Pakistan carried out a series of coordinated shooting and bombing attacks that killed 166 people and injured over 300 in India's financial capital.

India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to take action against the terrorist groups operating from its soil. However, the architects of Mumbai attack like Hafiz Saeed, Maulana Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and Sufayan Zafar continue to receive Pakistan's military patronage.

A rally was organised outside the Pakistan embassy in Washington on Sunday to protest against Islamabad sponsored terrorism. Two congressional candidates from Virginia and American veterans who fought and worked in Afghanistan were among those who participated in the rally 'Veterans Rally against terror state Pakistan'.

A rally was organised outside the Pakistan embassy in Washington on Sunday to protest against Islamabad sponsored terrorism. Two congressional candidates from Virginia and American veterans who fought and worked in Afghanistan were among those who participated in the rally 'Veterans Rally against terror state Pakistan'. Demonstrators held placards and chanted slogans against Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism. A few protesters were seen holding a banner that read, 'Pakistan has been involved in more than 90 per cent of all terror attack that has happened in the past 20 years within the United States'. Pakistan has been repeatedly asked by the international community to take action against state-sponsored terrorism. The demonstrators also held posters demanding 26/11 Mumbai attack culprits to be brought to justice. Mumbai had come to a standstill 11 years ago on November 26 when 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists who came to the city via sea route from Pakistan carried out a series of coordinated shooting and bombing attacks that killed 166 people and injured over 300 in India's financial capital. India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to take action against the terrorist groups operating from its soil. However, the architects of Mumbai attack like Hafiz Saeed, Maulana Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and Sufayan Zafar continue to receive Pakistan's military patronage.

US: Rally outside Pakistan embassy against Islamabad sponsored terrorism

Forcible religion conversion case of Sikh girl in Islamabad also reverberates in India. A Sikh teenager was forced to marry a terrorist. Her husband is an operative of Hafiz Saeed's JuD. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Siddhant Sibbal on Sikh protests outside Pakistan embassy

The civil society in Nepal on Monday staged a silent protest in front of the Pakistan embassy here condemning the deadly terror attack in Pulwama in south Kashmir that took place on February 14.

The members of the civil society held banners and pamphlets condemning the attack.

"We held the silent protest because silence speaks louder than the words. It`s an inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi and silence is the one which wins overall,"&nbsp;one of the participants wanting to remain unidentified told ANI.

Around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives after a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy of the security forces.

The Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror outfit based in Pakistan, claimed the responsibility of orchestrating the attack. The attack was widely condemned by the international community.

The civil society in Nepal on Monday staged a silent protest in front of the Pakistan embassy here condemning the deadly terror attack in Pulwama in south Kashmir that took place on February 14.

The civil society in Nepal on Monday staged a silent protest in front of the Pakistan embassy here condemning the deadly terror attack in Pulwama in south Kashmir that took place on February 14. The members of the civil society held banners and pamphlets condemning the attack. "We held the silent protest because silence speaks louder than the words. It`s an inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi and silence is the one which wins overall," one of the participants wanting to remain unidentified told ANI. Around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives after a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy of the security forces. The Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror outfit based in Pakistan, claimed the responsibility of orchestrating the attack. The attack was widely condemned by the international community.

Nepal: Protests outside Pakistan embassy to condemn Pulwama attack

A group of Indian-Americans &amp; Balochs held a protest in Washington DC over reported misbehaviour meted out to Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s kin in Islamabad.&nbsp;

The group -- carrying placards with #ChappalChorPakistan written on them -- thronged outside the Pakistan embassy.&nbsp;

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Washington DC: A group of Indian-Americans &amp; Balochs held a protest by the name &#39;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChappalChorPakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChappalChorPakistan</a>&#39; outside Pakistan embassy over the misbehavior meted out to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbhushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbhushanJadhav</a>&#39;s mother &amp; wife. <a href="https://t.co/iVssgetFZQ">pic.twitter.com/iVssgetFZQ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950197927279935489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistani officials allegedly asked Jadhav&#39;s wife to remove her shoes while the family visited Islamabad to meet Jadhav.

The officials suspected her shoes to contain some metal object and later sent them for forensic testing.&nbsp;

The move was widely condemned and criticised by Indian officials.

Union Minister for External Affairs also took stock of the situation and spoke blatantly on the issue.&nbsp;

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Washington DC: Indian-Americans &amp; Balochs at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChappalChorPakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChappalChorPakistan</a> outside Pakistan Embassy donated used shoes to the embassy in protest against misbehavior of Pakistani authorities towards <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbhushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbhushanJadhav</a>&#39;s mother &amp; wife, say, &#39;protest is in solidarity with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jadhav</a>&#39;s family.&#39; <a href="https://t.co/Zka5nLDXkr">pic.twitter.com/Zka5nLDXkr</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950208614693683205?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Thank god they didn&#39;t say that there was a bomb in her shoes! If for security reasons she was made to take off shoes, they should have returned them when she was leaving but no, they had to commit some sort of cruelty,&quot; Swaraj said.&nbsp;

This is not the first time when the Baloch community have protested against the Islamabad government.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/world-baloch-organisation-campaigns-in-new-york-against-human-rights-abuses-in-balochistan-27693">The World Baloch Organisation (WBO)</a> has been staging protests and running the &quot;free Balochistan&quot; campaign across the globe in cities including <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/members-of-baloch-and-sindhi-community-protest-against-pakistan-in-london-26418">London</a>, Geneva and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/taxis-with-free-balochistan-slogans-now-in-new-york-27425">New York</a>.

The group -- carrying placards with #ChappalChorPakistan written on them -- thronged outside Pakistan embassy

A group of Indian-Americans & Balochs held a protest in Washington DC over reported misbehaviour meted out to Kulbhushan Jadhav's kin in Islamabad. The group -- carrying placards with #ChappalChorPakistan written on them -- thronged outside the Pakistan embassy. Washington DC: A group of Indian-Americans & Balochs held a protest by the name '#ChappalChorPakistan' outside Pakistan embassy over the misbehavior meted out to #KulbhushanJadhav's mother & wife. pic.twitter.com/iVssgetFZQ — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018 × Pakistani officials allegedly asked Jadhav's wife to remove her shoes while the family visited Islamabad to meet Jadhav. The officials suspected her shoes to contain some metal object and later sent them for forensic testing. The move was widely condemned and criticised by Indian officials. Union Minister for External Affairs also took stock of the situation and spoke blatantly on the issue. Washington DC: Indian-Americans & Balochs at #ChappalChorPakistan outside Pakistan Embassy donated used shoes to the embassy in protest against misbehavior of Pakistani authorities towards #KulbhushanJadhav's mother & wife, say, 'protest is in solidarity with #Jadhav's family.' pic.twitter.com/Zka5nLDXkr — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018 × "Thank god they didn't say that there was a bomb in her shoes! If for security reasons she was made to take off shoes, they should have returned them when she was leaving but no, they had to commit some sort of cruelty," Swaraj said. This is not the first time when the Baloch community have protested against the Islamabad government. The World Baloch Organisation (WBO) has been staging protests and running the "free Balochistan" campaign across the globe in cities including London, Geneva and New York.

Jadhav row: Indian-Americans, Balochs protest outside Pakistan embassy in Washington

A protest was staged outside the Pakistan Embassy in London on Sunday against activist Zahid Baloch&#39;s extrajudicial abduction in Pakitsan.

Carrying various posters stating &#39;Baloch students are missing&#39;, &#39;release abducted Baloch women&#39;, the protesters were seen chanting slogans such as &#39;stop Baloch genocide&#39;.

Zahid Baloch is the ex-chairman of the Baloch Student Organisation (Azad) (BSO).

He was abducted on March 18, 2014 from the premises of Balochistan University.

Earlier on March 15 this year, armed men kidnapped Balochistan higher education secretary Abdullah Jan from Pakistan&#39;s Quetta.

Citing police sources, the Dawn reported that unidentified gunmen picked up the official from Quetta&#39;s Sabzal Road area when he was on his way to work.

Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri took notice of the kidnapping and directed the inspector general of police to ensure his immediate recovery.

A search operation was launched in various parts of Quetta to recover the secretary.

(ANI)

Zahid Baloch is the ex-chairman of the Baloch Student Organisation (Azad). He was abducted in March 2014 from Balochistan University

A protest was staged outside the Pakistan Embassy in London on Sunday against activist Zahid Baloch's extrajudicial abduction in Pakitsan. Carrying various posters stating 'Baloch students are missing', 'release abducted Baloch women', the protesters were seen chanting slogans such as 'stop Baloch genocide'. Zahid Baloch is the ex-chairman of the Baloch Student Organisation (Azad) (BSO). He was abducted on March 18, 2014 from the premises of Balochistan University. Earlier on March 15 this year, armed men kidnapped Balochistan higher education secretary Abdullah Jan from Pakistan's Quetta. Citing police sources, the Dawn reported that unidentified gunmen picked up the official from Quetta's Sabzal Road area when he was on his way to work. Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri took notice of the kidnapping and directed the inspector general of police to ensure his immediate recovery. A search operation was launched in various parts of Quetta to recover the secretary. (ANI)

Baloch protest outside Pakistan Embassy in London against activist's abduction

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