News Detail

The Sub-Committee meeting of the Senate House Committee, convened by Senator Nasir Mehmood, was held today at the Parliament House. The meeting was attended by Senators Danesh Kumar, Hidayatullah Khan, and Poonjo Bheel (online), along with the Chairman CDA, representatives of the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Planning and Development, as well as senior officials of the concerned departments.

The Committee conducted a detailed review of the stalled 104 Lodges Project, examining the tendering process, budget allocations, contractor details, and causes of delay. It was informed that the project, initiated in 2009, faced delays due to land clearance issues until 2011. Despite being planned for completion within two years, the project extended well beyond 2014. The contract was eventually terminated after repeated notices and offers of price escalation failed to yield progress, leading to arbitration, civil court, and high court proceedings that created heavy financial liabilities for the government.

The Chairman CDA apprised that tenders had been reissued several times, but disputes and litigation discouraged new contractors. The project has now been divided into smaller packages and restarted under fresh arrangements. It was highlighted that a significant price difference has emerged over time. However, the Chairman CDA assured that every effort would be made to conclude the project within the current financial year.

Turning to repair and maintenance works, the Sub-Committee examined budget utilization, quality of work, and hurdles in execution. CDA informed that liabilities of Rs. 740 million remain unsettled and stressed that until these are cleared, no new works can begin. General maintenance, such as cleaning, contract terminations, and CCTV installations is ongoing, while repair works for suites alone amount to around Rs. 200 million.

Convener Senator Nasir Mehmood voiced strong concern over the unresolved issues despite repair works being overdue for two years. He underscored that liabilities must be settled first, demanded clarity on allocation and utilization of funds, and stressed that the Committee must be apprised of expenditure separately from salaries and other fixed costs. He further directed that financial delays should not push essential works into the next fiscal year.

Senator Danesh Kumar also emphasized the need to remain within the allocated budget and called for a detailed breakdown of the Rs. 1 billion spent in the previous financial year, excluding salaries. Committee Members also proposed inviting the Finance Secretary to resolve liability settlement and budget re-appropriation. Responding to funding concerns, the Ministry of Interior informed the Committee that savings were minimal, noting that 50 percent of funds had already been allocated in the first quarter amid competing demands across divisions.

The Committee resolved to continue close follow-up, ensure transparency in the utilization of funds, and seek a comprehensive financial report from CDA in the next meeting.