News Detail
Event Title: Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Convener Sub-Committee Of The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology presiding over the Sub-Committee at Parliament Lodges, Islamabad.
Event Date: 2026-01-14
A meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology was held at the Old PIPs Hall, Parliament Lodges, Islamabad, to examine and make recommendations on long-pending issues between the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). The agenda included initiation of water supply from Shah Allah Ditta and H-11 reservoirs as per concluded agreements, sewerage treatment and wastewater flow into NUST in light of the Ombudsman’s decision, rationalization of water and allied charges, and settlement of matters related to land cost, annual ground rent, and building approvals.
The meeting was convened by, Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan and was attended by Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto and Senator Husna Bano, along with senior officials from CDA, NUST and other relevant departments.
During the meeting, the sub-committee was informed that as per the decisions of the last meeting, the CDA had started supplying 30,000 gallons per day to the NUST. The Sub-Committee appreciated the efforts of DG (Water), CDA in this regard. Besides, the pending issue of water pipeline at F-12 was also discussed and the the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) informed that the authority had already paid 200 million to the CDA in this regard, and awaited its completion. After deliberations, the Sub-Committee recommended a joint visit of the concerned officers of CDA, NUST and FGEHA to the site for a viable solution.
The Sub-Committee was also informed on proposed construction of Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) at G-13. The FGEHA briefed that it has allocated a plot in Sector G-14/1 for a Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) to serve Sectors G-13 and G-14/4. However, due to encroachments, the project has not yet commenced. Once the land is cleared, construction will be expedited on a priority basis to ensure proper wastewater management and environmental sustainability. The CDA informed the Committee that the CDA had approved some 16 STPs in the Islamabad, and in every sector of G-13, STPs were planned. The Chief Engineer FGEHA assured to have a survey of the area for carrying out the plan. Furthermore, the Sub-Committee recommended a joint visit of FGHEA, CDA and NUST to ascertain the sewerage at H-13.
Moreover, the issues of cost of land, peripheral development charges, annual ground rate have been amicably reconciled and the CDA awaited their approval from concerned officers. The Sub-Committee lauded the efforts of all concerned officers for the achievements. However, the Sub-Committee recommended that NUST pay the water conservancy charges to the CDA.
The Sub-Committee deliberated on the issue of construction without approval charges to the tune of 500 million. The NUST was of the opinion that its lay out plan was submitted to the CDA in 2003, but it got passed in 2011 which created a backlog of payment. Out of 152 buildings, some 60 have been submitted to the CDA for approval. The CDA replied that the lay out plan required approval from planning directorate, and a feasible option would only be provided once the details are sought from it.
Convenor Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan questioned the prolonged delays and non-approval of plan pending for nine years. Expressing concern over the financial burden on students, Convenor Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan remarked, “If you impose such a heavy fine, only the children will end up paying through increased fees. CDA should find a solution—it should not be expensive or inconvenient. This is a university.” He directed CDA to explore a viable solution and, if necessary, refer the matter to the CDA Board.
Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto also urged flexibility, stating, “CDA should find a way. It is an educational institution.” The Convener further directed that all four relevant CDA departments involved in the delay be called, and that a CDA Planning representative be invited to the next meeting.