Islamabad : A meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Senate House Committee was held at the Parliament House under the Convener Senator Nasir Mahmood Butt. The meeting reviewed in detail the issues related to repair and rehabilitation works at the Parliament Lodges, outsourcing of janitorial and lift services, expenditures incurred over the past two years, and the construction project of 104 new lodges for Senators.
Serious differences of opinion emerged during the meeting over the outsourcing of janitorial and lift services at the Parliament Lodges. Senator Dinesh Kumar stated that the outsourcing model has completely failed over the past six years and that conditions have worsened instead of improving. He raised concerns over the absence of lift operators, particularly during night shifts, warning that malfunctioning lifts could result in Senators being stranded.
The committee was informed that 29 lift operators are deployed in three shifts. However, Senators demanded duty rosters, attendance records, and complete details of day and night shifts for the past year. The committee also directed that attendance be verified through CCTV footage and ordered strict action against absent staff.
Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi expressed strong reservations over the ongoing repair works at the Parliament Lodges. He stated that the condition of flats in the Lodges is unsatisfactory, with roofs on the top floors in an extremely dilapidated state. He alleged that delays in repair work are deliberate, between contractors and CDA officials. He raises serious concern over repairing work done in Lodges. Expressing concern over the misuse of public funds, he called for third-party audits and greater transparency.
Convener Senator Nasir Mahmood Butt informed the committee that the 104 new lodges are being constructed specifically for Senators, following formal directives issued by the former Chairman Senate. He pointed out that expenditures of up to Rs. 5 million have been shown for some residential units, while residents claim that work of such magnitude was not carried out. The committee sought complete details of works and expenditures for all houses, including kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and other components.
The committee was further informed that during the financial year 2024–25, a total of 57 repair requests were received, out of which 22 works have been completed.
It was also informed during the meeting that 156 employees are performing various duties at the Parliament Lodges. The Convener directed that action be taken against staff showing poor performance and made it clear that no complaints regarding the Parliament Lodges would be tolerated.
The committee directed officials from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Finance and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to resolve funding and administrative issues promptly through mutual coordination. It was also decided that satisfaction certificates be obtained from Senators residing in lodges where repair works have been completed.
The meeting was attended by Senator Dinesh Kumar, Senator Hidayatullah Khan, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Finance and CDA. Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi participated in the meeting online. The Convener also directed that the Chairman CDA and all relevant officers must ensure their presence in the next meeting.
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.
