News Detail
Event Title: Senator Nasir Mahmood, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament Lodges Islamabad
Event Date: 2024-12-17
The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood, convened today at the Parliament House to review ongoing projects and address pressing public concerns.
The Chairman underscored the Committee's commitment to assisting individuals entitled to government support by eliminating obstacles in their path. He emphasized that the Committee serves as a beacon of hope for the underprivileged, ensuring that their rightful claims are secured.
During the meeting, the Member Engineering from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) provided a comprehensive update on the Islamabad Jail construction project. The Committee was informed that the initial PC-1 cost of Rs. 3.9 billion has been revised to Rs. 7.4 billion, with Rs. 3.75 billion already allocated for construction. It was reported that 70–80% of the admin block has been completed, while an additional Rs. 3.64 billion is required to finalize Phase II of the project. The construction is expected to be completed by 31st January 2025.
Expressing serious concern over delays, Senator Nasir Mehmood reminded the Committee that the CDA Chairman had previously committed to completing the project by December 2024. The Committee decided to summon the Ministry of Planning to address funding gaps and remove obstacles hindering progress. The Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD) assured the Committee that all issues within their jurisdiction had been resolved. The Chairman directed that all correspondence between the PWD and CDA be shared with the Committee and recommended inviting representatives from the Ministry of Interior to the next meeting.
The Committee also revisited the issue of allotment to a widow, previously discussed in an earlier meeting. The Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Works assured the members that the matter would be resolved in accordance with the law.
In another matter, the Committee reviewed the application submitted by Director Abdul Sattar & Co. for the payment of the final bill concerning the establishment of a 200-bed Center of Excellence for Gynecology and Obstetrics in Rawalpindi. It was decided that SSC Health would be more appropriate to handle the matter than discussions in the current forum.
The Committee also received a briefing on the directions issued on 29th October 2024 regarding journalist quota/plots in FGEHA schemes. The Director from the Ministry of Information reported that repairs under Phase I of the scheme were underway, with three categories already completed, and the remaining work expected to be finalized within a month. The Director assured the members that a meeting with journalists has been scheduled for the following week. The Committee recommended resolving the matter through mutual correspondence between the concerned parties.
Additionally, the matter related to expediting the litigation on remaining un-acquired land was discussed. The Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Works assured the Committee that litigation had been initiated by the High Court, which is causing the delay. He emphasized that the Ministry is committed to developing a proper model for investment, with proposals being made for various areas.
The poor condition of Qasr-e-Naz in Karachi was also brought to the Committee’s attention. It was noted that not only one but six properties require inspection. The Committee unanimously decided to conduct an on-site visit to Qasr-e-Naz to gain a better understanding of its condition. The visit is planned for a date after 3rd January 2025.
The meeting was attended by Senators Khalida Ateeb, Saifullah Abro, Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, Bilal Ahmed Khan, Husna Bano, Hidayatullah Khan, Muhammad Aslam Abro, the Minister of Housing and Works, the Secretary of Housing and Works, and senior officials from the concerned departments.