The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood, convened in Islamabad to address pressing issues related to land management, infrastructure projects, housing allocation irregularities, and governmental accountability. While acknowledging recent successes like resolving a long-standing land dispute, members emphasized the urgent need for action against illegal occupation, infrastructure delays, inequitable housing distributions, and fake domicile abuses.
Opening on a positive note, the committee commended the new Secretary of Housing for successfully resolving a land dispute that had been persisting for nearly two decades. This resolution was praised as a significant step forward, showcasing improved administrative effort and cooperation in land management.
Discussion quickly turned serious as senators tackled the persistent issue of illegally occupied government lands. One prominent case highlighted pertained to encroachments dating back to 1989, raising concerns over longstanding inaction and procedural obstacles. Senator Nasir Mehmood specifically drew attention to unchecked land grabbing, particularly severe in Murree, stating, “This issue has persisted for forty years. If the squatters are alive, action must be taken.” The absence of the Chief Commissioner Rawalpindi, reportedly occupied with security duties linked to Muharram, was noted with disappointment. The committee members stressed the necessity for high-level coordination and demanded his participation in future meetings.
The prolonged delays affecting construction of Islamabad’s Central Jail generated significant discussion. The jail project, initially approved in 2013, remains significantly incomplete due to bureaucratic disagreements between the Planning Division and the Finance Ministry. Representatives from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) confirmed the project was merely 51% complete, despite recent allocations of Rs 1.32 billion for the current fiscal year. CDA officials reported an additional Rs 2.5 billion was now urgently required, noting that the jail could be finalized within four months if immediate funding became available. Chairman Senator Mehmood cautioned that continued delays would inevitably lead to higher expenditures and emphasized the importance of smoother inter-departmental collaboration.
Linked to the jail project, the committee also delved into issues regarding its staffing requirements. Members urged administrators to ensure that recruitments are carried out in synchronization with the prison’s completion to ensure operational readiness. This jail project is one among fifteen crucial Interior Ministry ventures still awaiting finalization.
Addressing challenges within housing allocation systems, lawmakers voiced concerns over prevailing unfair practices. Many government officials reportedly occupy multiple residences, denying others who wait many years for allocated housing. While the recently introduced mobile app to digitize and manage the housing allocation list was welcomed, Senator Mehmood underscored the need for a more transparent, real-time housing allocation framework. He insisted, “People should not receive housing only at retirement.”
Turning their attention to reports from Balochistan, the committee expressed alarm at allegations of fake domiciles being leveraged to unlawfully secure government employment reserved for local candidates. Treating the issue with urgency, senators requested a detailed investigative report and concrete proposals to prevent further exploitation.
Lastly, overall building maintenance concerns were significantly highlighted. The committee called for immediate repair works at important government-owned facilities, including Chamba House and the Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat, both currently suffering from structural damage and nonfunctional elevators. Additionally, lawmakers requested immediate drafting of new comprehensive regulations to replace outdated Accommodation Allocation Rules (AARs) and an explanation outlining the reasoning behind proposed legislative amendments.
