Senate Committee Slams VIP Culture, Faulty Lifts & Housing Mismanagement in Government Buildings
ISLAMABAD – The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood, has raised strong concerns over the growing VIP culture in government buildings, especially the restriction of elevator access for ordinary citizens and lower-level employees.
During a meeting held on Tuesday, the committee condemned the exclusive use of elevators by high-ranking officials in the Shaheed-i-Millat Secretariat and other government offices. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) was directed to immediately end this discriminatory practice and ensure equal access to all elevators.
Malfunctioning Elevators and Costly Repairs
CDA Chairman reported that three out of five elevators in the Shaheed-i-Millat Secretariat are currently out of order. A tender worth Rs120 million has been issued for repairs, but no completion timeline was provided.
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Islamabad Jail Project Delays
The committee reviewed delays in the Islamabad jail construction project. While Phase I of the project — including 98% of the administrative block and boundary wall — is nearly complete, funding delays have stalled progress. The project, now valued at Rs7.4 billion, was transferred to CDA by the Public Works Department in June 2024. The committee summoned finance and planning officials to explain the funding lag and backed CDA’s request to begin hiring jail staff.
Severe Housing Shortage for Federal Employees
Officials from the Ministry of Housing disclosed a serious shortfall in government housing, with 26,000 federal employees awaiting accommodation against only 17,000 available units in Islamabad. Unimpressed, the committee demanded a full list of illegal allotments and those responsible for them.
Senator Saifullah Abro criticized the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) for inflated housing costs and repeated delays, which are financially burdening allottees. The authority has been ordered to submit a comprehensive list of all ongoing housing projects with cost breakdowns and expected completion dates.
Illegal Occupation and Unpaid Rent
The committee welcomed recent efforts by Punjab police to vacate illegally occupied units in Lahore’s Wafaqi Colony, revealing that Rs1.6 million had recently been paid in rent dues. Further payments are expected in the next fiscal year.
Meanwhile, NAB came under scrutiny for failing to pay Rs480 million in rent for using a Ministry of Housing property in Dhana Singh Wala, Lahore, since March 2021. Despite no formal agreement, NAB has not vacated the premises. The committee warned of disciplinary action if the issue isn’t resolved within a month.
