Islamabad – Meeting of the Senate Sub-Committee on Parliamentary Lodges was held under the chairmanship of Senator Nasir Mehmood. The meeting was attended by Senators Danesh Kumar, Poonjo Bheel, and Hidayatullah Khan.
The Convener briefed the Committee on the discussions and decisions taken during the previous meeting. The Committee expressed serious concern over the non-submission of the enquiry report regarding repair and maintenance works in the Parliamentary Lodges. Members also noted significant cost escalations, including repair expenses for certain lodges exceeding PKR 10 million.
Director CDA informed the Committee that the increased costs were primarily due to various taxes imposed on repair and maintenance works. A detailed breakdown of these taxes will be submitted to the Committee. The Special Secretary, Ministry of Interior, added that contractors often initiate work in advance, while payments are released after long delays spanning multiple years, resulting in escalating liabilities and increased project costs.
Director CDA also provided progress updates, informing the Committee that 57 applications had been received. Of these, 22 tenders have been floated and the respective works completed. Physical inspection of 20 completed works has been finalized, while remaining inspections will be conducted soon. Additionally, 5 tenders have been opened, with work orders expected shortly. Tender notices for 10 further works have been issued and will be opened in the first week of December. Another 20 works are currently under the approval process. The Member Engineering assured the Committee that allocation of the remaining works would be ensured.
On the proposal of the Special Secretary, Ministry of Interior, the Committee recommended that CDA present a comprehensive service agreement model for repair and maintenance, ideally based on the mechanism adopted by the Supreme Court. A financial expert will also brief the Committee on the financial and operational aspects of the proposed agreement.
The Committee directed the Director CDA to submit a complete plan for all 57 works, detailing completed projects, pending tenders, and timelines for remaining works. All information must be provided in writing within one week.
The Committee noted that delays in financial planning, release of funds, and procedural formalities continue to impede effective maintenance of the Parliamentary Lodges.
Regarding the construction of 104 new lodges, the Committee was informed that the required funds have been released by the Finance Division, and the project is expected to be completed by 30th June, with subsequent phases to follow.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Committee visited the site of the new lodges and inspected the model apartment. The Committee directed that quality of work must not be compromised and that all construction should strictly adhere to the approved BOQs. The Committee further emphasized that timely completion of the project is essential to ensure maximum benefit for the members.
The next meeting of the Sub-Committee will be held on 4th December, 2025.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
