NA panel dismayed over stalled projects

Forms subcommittee to resolve issues of land payments, compensation and balloting

ISLAMABAD:

The National Assembly's Standing Committee on Housing and Works on Monday voiced grave concern over persistent delays in projects undertaken by the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA), warning that the situation is exacerbating the financial burden on both allottees and the authorities concerned.

The committee met at Parliament Lodges under the chairmanship of Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, MNA, where it first confirmed the minutes of its previous meeting held on November 24, 2025 and reviewed progress on the implementation of earlier recommendations, according to an official press release.

During the meeting, the committee took strong exception to delays across all FGEHA projects. The Director General of FGEHA briefed members on the status of ongoing schemes, including Skyline, Kashmir Avenue Apartments, G-13 Apartments, Green Enclave-I, Green Enclave-II, G-14/1, G-15/3, and Sectors F-14 and F-15. Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA) presented progress reports on development works in Sectors I-12/1 and I-16, outlining infrastructure installation and completion timelines.

The committee directed the Director General of FGEHA to convene a coordination meeting with the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA), and the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI). The aim, it said, was to improve planning, clearly define institutional responsibilities, enhance service-sharing arrangements, and ensure effective inter-agency cooperation for smooth project execution, including matters relating to cleanliness and sanitation.

Members also examined the draft Accommodation Allocation Rules (AAR), 2002, along with related allotment standard operating procedures and guidelines. Highlighting issues affecting employees previously allotted residences in Quetta, Karachi, and Peshawar who were later transferred to Islamabad, the committee instructed the ministry to revisit the policy and consider allotments for eligible applicants, ensuring transparency, equity, and consistency with established practices.

Reaffirming its resolve to ensure the timely completion of housing schemes and restore public confidence through effective oversight, the committee cited several unresolved issues, including pending land payments, compensation for built-up properties, balloting, and prolonged project delays. To address these matters, it constituted a sub-committee under the convenorship of Ibrar Ahmad, MNA, with Anjum Aqeel Khan, MNA, and Dr Darshan, MNA, as members.

The meeting was attended by members Anjum Aqeel Khan, Ibrar Ahmad, Nasir Iqbal Bosal, Dr Darshan, and Samina Khalid Ghurki and Hassan Sabir (both via Zoom), as well as senior officials, including the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Works and officers from its attached departments.