But collection of the payment has hit a snag; the builder, Denham Constructions, is not yet allowed to enforce the order, after the court heard it was put into administration earlier this week.

The case came before the ACT Supreme Court after Denham alleged the Islamic Republic of Pakistan owed it $1 million for building its new high commission complex, finished in the middle of last year.

Denham said it was owed for cost overruns and building delays.

The new complex for the High Commission was built in Perth Avenue in Yarralumla, just opposite the Embassy of the United States.

Denham relied on the ACT's security of payment laws, designed to ensure parties are paid for construction work. The Pakistan government said the ACT's contract laws did not apply because the commission was on "National Land" - land controlled by the Commonwealth.

These constitutional arguments - which ultimately failed - led the ACT Attorney-General to intervene on the case.

On Wednesday, the Solicitor-General Peter Garrisson, SC, took the unusual step of asking Associate Justice David Mossop to order costs in favour of the ACT government.

Mr Mossop did not make a ruling on that specific matter.

The fact Denham had gone into administration was raised in court.

Denham's barrister, Philip Walker, SC, said it came to his attention minutes before the hearing that an administrator had been appointed.

But the court heard if a company went into administration, it did not mean the case had to be paused when the company was the plaintiff.

In March, Denham attempted to have Mr Mossop enter a judgement in its favour without the need for a full hearing.

But he declined to do so, saying the matters warranted exploration.

Then, earlier this month Mr Mossop rejected each of the Pakistani government's arguments for why it did not have to pay the builder.

He has ordered the Pakistani government pay Denham more than $1.6 million, which included the money owed plus interest.

But Mr Mossop ordered the builder cannot enforce payment for one week, to give the parties time to speak with Denham's administrator.

The parties will return to court later to argue over costs.