**Senate Committee Criticizes Housing Authority Over Maintenance Delays, Commends Land Recovery in Murree**
A Senate panel has strongly reprimanded the Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA) Foundation for its prolonged delays in repairing essential facilities, while also applauding the recent recovery of illegally occupied government land in Murree. The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works, led by Senator Nasir Mehmood Butt, convened at Parliament House Islamabad to address a range of pressing issues impacting government housing schemes and public infrastructure.
During the session, committee members, including Senators Husna Bano, Khalida Ateeb, Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, Hidayatullah Khan, and Saifullah Abro, scrutinized senior officials from the PHA Foundation on major lapses in the maintenance of public amenities. Of particular concern was the status of six faulty lifts, some of which have reportedly been inoperable since 2006. Senator Nasir Bhatt demanded clear accountability for the failures, reminding officials that the committee’s main duty is to facilitate public welfare, not obstruct essential development.
PHA officials provided an update, revealing that two lifts have been repaired and made operational, three are being installed, and one remains under construction. Senators stressed the urgent need for swift completion of these repairs to ease residents’ difficulties.
The committee also voiced alarm regarding illegal occupation of government assets, with particular emphasis on the case of 38th canal land in Murree. According to the PHA Chairman, legal proceedings in the Islamabad High Court led to the eviction of unauthorized occupants, and the department is now recovering back rent for the period of unlawful possession. This recovery effort was praised by Senator Nasir Butt, who called it a model for handling similar cases in the future.
Attention then turned to the declining performance of the Public Works Department (PWD), with some members suggesting its possible closure due to inefficiency. Senator Butt echoed the sentiment, underlining the need for structural reforms if the department fails to improve.
Operational challenges concerning parking facilities were also discussed. The committee noted that the allocated Rs. 154 million is insufficient to complete ongoing parking projects, and recommended that additional funds be provided to ensure these public amenities are completed on schedule.
Summing up the session, Senator Nasir Butt reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and prioritizing the timely completion of public projects. He urged all relevant departments to act swiftly on pending matters, prevent future illegal encroachments, and ensure efficient delivery of services for the benefit of the public.
The committee concluded with a clear directive for all agencies involved to accelerate their efforts so that critical services reach those who need them most.
