Press Release Title: Senator Nasir Mahmood, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works Presiding over a Meeting of The Committee at Shaheed-E-Millat Secretariat, Jinnah Avenue, F-6/1, Islamabad

Press Release Date: 14th July, 2025

 A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works, chaired by *Senator Nasir Mehmood Butt*, convened at Parliament House, Islamabad, to review pressing issues related to housing projects, maintenance delays, illegal occupation, and resource constraints affecting public facilities. The session was attended by *Senator Husna Bano, **Senator Khalida Ateeb, **Senator Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, **Senator Hidayatullah Khan, and **Senator Saifullah Abro*, along with senior officials of the Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA) Foundation and other relevant departments. Taking strong notice of the *long-pending repair and maintenance of lifts, some of which have remained non-functional since 2006, **Senator Nasir Bhatt* demanded clear accountability for these unacceptable delays. “The primary objective of this committee is to facilitate the public, not hinder development,” he remarked. The official gave an update on the status of the six lifts: * *Two* have been made operational after necessary repairs, * *Three* are currently in the installation phase, * *One* remains under construction. Expressing serious concern over the misuse of public resources, the committee also discussed *illegal occupations of government property. A significant case highlighted was the **38th canal land in Murree, which had been unlawfully occupied. The PHA Chairman informed the committee that legal proceedings were initiated in the Islamabad High Court, resulting in the eviction of the illegal occupants. The department is now recovering compensation in the form of rent for the period of illegal occupation. Senator Nasir Butt appreciated this action, terming it a *“successful recovery effort that must serve as an example for other cases.”** The committee also debated the deteriorating state of the *Public Works Department (PWD)*, with some members suggesting it might be shut down altogether due to inefficiency, Nasir Butt endorsed the committee view point Raising another operational issue, the committee discussed ongoing parking space projects and flagged that the allocated *Rs. 154 million* is insufficient to complete the planned work. It was recommended that additional budgetary allocations be considered to ensure *timely completion* of these vital public convenience projects. Wrapping up the proceedings, *Senator Nasir Bhatt* reiterated the committee’s resolve: “We will continue to monitor progress, ensure transparency, and push for the timely completion of public welfare projects. People’s needs must remain our top priority.” The meeting concluded with a strong message for all relevant departments to expedite pending projects, curb illegal encroachments, and deliver services efficiently in the larger public interest.