ISLAMABAD, June 30 (IN): Deputy Chairman Senate, Syedaal Khan Nasar, chaired a meeting of the Senate House Committee at Parliament House on Tuesday, directing authorities to expedite the completion of the Parliament Lodges project while ensuring transparency, quality, and accountability.The committee reviewed progress on the construction of 104 new residential units at the Parliament Lodges, along with ongoing repair and maintenance work at the lodges and Government Hostel. Officials informed the committee that civil and electrical works were in the final stages. However, members voiced concerns over the pace and quality of the remaining work and instructed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to complete the project within the stipulated timeline without compromising construction standards.The CDA Chairman assured the committee that the project would be completed by September 2026.The committee also examined the proposed allocation of the new lodges, recommending that the newly constructed units be allotted to senators. It suggested that the matter be resolved through mutual consultation between the leadership of both houses of Parliament.
To independently assess the project’s quality and progress, the committee constituted a three-member inspection panel comprising Kamil Ali Agha, Nasir Mahmood, and Hidayatullah Khan, which will submit its findings at the next meeting.The committee also discussed the demolition of a guest room constructed by Atta Ur Rehman after obtaining formal approval. It directed the CDA to present the complete record of the case and recommended reimbursement of the senator’s expenses if the approvals are verified.Reviewing the current fiscal year’s budget and expenditures, the committee recommended outsourcing maintenance work through a transparent mechanism to improve quality and accountability. It further directed the CDA to submit lodge-wise expenditure details within 15 days and recommended a special audit of maintenance work carried out over the past five years, as well as a forensic audit of development projects at the Parliament Lodges.
The committee also reviewed security arrangements at the Parliament Lodges and called for immediate measures to prevent the entry of stray dogs while strengthening overall security for parliamentarians and their families.Earlier, Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan Nasar expressed concern over the absence of senior representatives from key ministries and instructed all relevant ministries to ensure high-level participation in future committee meetings.Concluding the meeting, he reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring the timely completion of development projects, transparent use of public funds, high-quality infrastructure, and improved residential and security facilities for members of Parliament.
