The Senate House Committee has demanded immediate reform and monthly oversight of Parliament Lodges to address deteriorating living conditions, administrative inefficiencies, and unauthorized occupancy issues. Convening under the chairmanship of Deputy Chairman Senate, Senator Syedaal Khan, the committee strongly recommended urgent improvements, enforcement against illegal occupants, prompt repairs, and appointment of efficient personnel to manage the lodges effectively.
During the committee meeting at Parliament House, members reviewed severe living condition issues faced by parliamentarians, including persistent unhygienic conditions, delays in necessary maintenance, and lack of basic amenities. Discussions also focused on plans for the construction of 104 new residential suites, alongside reviewing budgetary allocations and timelines for the implementation of reforms.
Expressing dissatisfaction with prevalent administrative hurdles, Senator Poonjo Bheel highlighted specific systemic inefficiencies, citing instances in which residents face bureaucratic obstacles even when attempting basic tasks like replacing electric bulbs. Senator Kamil Ali Agha criticized the behavior of Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials stationed at the lodges, deeming their attitude and conduct towards parliamentarians as unprofessional and unacceptable.
Further adding to concerns, Senator Khalil Tahir Sandhu highlighted outstanding electricity bills left unpaid by former occupants, calling on the CDA to expedite recovery procedures. He emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent disruption of utility services in the lodges. In response, Finance Division officials reassured the committee that sufficient budgetary allocations have been arranged for the maintenance activities in the 2025–2026 fiscal year. However, according to the Director of CDA (Parliament Lodges), liabilities from previous years are still hampering ongoing repairs and regular upkeep.
Minister of State for Interior, Senator Talal Chaudhry, reassuring committee members of government commitment, confirmed proactive measures undertaken by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s administration in collaboration with the Speaker of the National Assembly. He stated that immediate steps had already begun towards renovating the lodges and constructing additional residential units to accommodate lawmakers adequately.
To promote continuous accountability and measure progress, the Senate House Committee decided to conduct regular monthly meetings dedicated to the monitoring and management of Parliament Lodges. Further recommendations, as presented by the Senate Finance Committee, included replacing current CDA employees overseeing the lodges with more competent and trustworthy personnel, due to their long-standing inefficiency and inadequate performance.
Members strongly emphasized the importance of immediate action against unauthorized occupants who continue to illegally occupy residential units allocated for sitting members of parliament. This illegal occupancy has exacerbated housing shortages, prompting the committee to call for swift eviction proceedings.
Finally, stressing inclusivity and fairness, the Committee particularly recommended prioritizing repair and maintenance work in lodges assigned to female parliamentarians. This step is aimed at ensuring a secure, dignified, and equitable residential experience for all parliamentarians, irrespective of gender.
The meeting was attended by Senators Jan Muhammad, Kamil Ali Agha, Poonjo Bheel, Khalil Tahir Sandhu, Minister of State for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhry, Special Secretary Interior Waqas Ali Mahmood, and senior representatives from the Finance and Law Divisions.
