ISLAMABAD: Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan Nasar has stressed the need for transparency, accountability, quality development and effective use of public resources, as the Senate House Committee raised serious concerns over delays and construction standards in the new Parliament Lodges project.
Chairing a meeting of the Senate House Committee at Parliament House, Syedal Khan Nasar reviewed progress on the construction of 104 new Parliament Lodges as well as repair and maintenance issues concerning the existing lodges.
The meeting was attended by Senators Danesh Kumar, Hidayatullah Khan, Jan Muhammad, Kamil Ali Agha and Naseema Ehsan, along with officials from the Capital Development Authority, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and Senate Secretariat.
The Committee expressed serious concern over the absence of senior representatives of the relevant ministries and the CDA, observing that non-participation by responsible officials reflected a lack of seriousness towards parliamentary oversight.
During the meeting, the inspection committee presented its findings regarding the construction of the 104 new lodges. Senator Kamil Ali Agha informed the Committee that despite claims of substantial progress, the inspection found that only around 20 percent of the project appeared to be functionally complete.
Members highlighted several deficiencies, including changes to the originally approved central air-conditioning system, inadequate ventilation arrangements, design issues affecting the installation of ceiling fans, impractical placement of storage areas near lodge entrances and concerns regarding the overall standard and quality of construction.
Responding to the observations, CDA’s Member Engineering informed the Committee that the grey structure had been completed and finishing work was underway. He said imported lifts were yet to be installed, while furniture had already been ordered. An architect had also been engaged to prepare a model lodge for renovation of the existing Parliament Lodges, including upgrades to electrical and allied systems.
Senator Jan Muhammad told the Committee that only a token allocation had been provided for repairs to his allotted lodge despite repeated requests over the past three years. CDA officials said first-quarter funds had now been released and tendering would begin shortly, with repair work expected to start in the first week of September 2026.
The Chief Planning Officer of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives informed the Committee that the total cost of the 104 New Parliament Lodges Project stood at Rs7.1 billion. Of this amount, Rs3.5 billion had already been utilized, while Rs1.1 billion had been allocated during the current financial year.
CDA officials also informed the Committee that the Auditor General of Pakistan had initiated an external forensic audit of repair and maintenance works and its report was awaited.
Syedal Khan Nasar proposed an independent forensic audit covering both the existing Parliament Lodges and the construction of the 104 new lodges by a professional consultancy firm headed by Syed Shabbar Zaidi. Senator Kamil Ali Agha strongly supported the proposal, and the Committee unanimously recommended engaging the firm to ensure transparency, accountability and quality assurance.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring timely completion of the project, maintaining high construction standards and safeguarding public money through effective parliamentary oversight.
Separately, Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan Nasar held meetings with Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs Senator Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan, parliamentarians, lawyers, intellectuals, representatives of civil society, the business community and chambers of commerce.
Discussions focused on Pakistan’s political and economic situation, law and order, national development and regional developments.
Speaking during the meetings, Syedal Khan Nasar described the Makkah Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as an important development for regional and global peace and stability. He said enhanced defence cooperation and mutual consultation could strengthen unity, trust and collective security in the Muslim world.
He said Pakistan was playing an active role in promoting regional peace and stability, while political and military leadership continued efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen internal security.
The Deputy Chairman Senate also emphasized the economic potential of Pakistan’s natural and mineral resources, particularly those in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other regions. He said effective policymaking, investment and modern technology could transform these resources into a major source of economic growth and public prosperity.
Syedal Khan Nasar called for political stability, national unity and collective efforts to overcome Pakistan’s challenges, saying political parties, national leadership, the business community and civil society should rise above differences and work together to place the country firmly on the path of sustainable development, stability and prosperity.
