Pakistan has received three bids for the former defense section of its embassy in Washington, DC, Pakistani Dawn newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing diplomatic sources in the US capital.
The highest bid — almost $6.8 million — has been made by a Jewish group that plans to construct a synagogue on the premises.
The second bid, approximately $5 million, was made by an Indian real estate company, and the third bid, roughly $4 million, was made by a Pakistani real estate company, the daily's sources added.
Earlier this month, officials from the Pakistan embassy in Washington, DC confirmed to the newspaper that a building on R Street NW, which previously housed the embassy's defense section from the mid-1950s to early 2000s, was for sale.
However, officials stated that neither the current embassy nor the former embassy building were being sold. This news comes after the Cabinet Committee on Privatization asked the privatization commission to appoint a financial adviser for leasing the Roosevelt Hotel site in New York.
The reported news may be part of efforts initiated by the Pakistani government to raise funds amid the current economic crisis in the country.
Islamabad has implemented a range of measures in an attempt to address economic issues, seeking financial assistance from international organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and initiating structural reforms.