104 new Parliament Lodges to be completed by September, CDA assures committee  

Islamabad: The Senate House Committee recommended a special audit of repair and maintenance work carried out at Parliament Lodges during the last five years, along with a forensic examination of development works, amid concerns over quality, spending and accountability.

The committee also raised concerns over the pace and quality of remaining work on the 104 new Parliament Lodges and questioned the basis of the existing distribution ratio of lodges between the Senate and the National Assembly. The meeting of the Senate House Committee was held at Parliament House, Islamabad, under the chairmanship of the Deputy Chairman Senate.

At the start of the meeting, the chairman expressed concern over the absence of senior level representation from the ministries. He directed that senior level representation from all concerned ministries must be ensured in future meetings. The report of the Sub Committee of the Senate House Committee was also presented during the meeting.

The sub-committee reviewed progress on the construction of 104 new Parliament Lodges, along with repair and maintenance of Parliament Lodges and the Government Hostel. The committee was informed that major progress had been made in the project and that civil and electrical works were close to completion. However, members expressed concern over the pace and quality of the remaining work.

The committee directed CDA to ensure timely completion of the project while maintaining the highest construction standards. Chairman CDA assured the committee that the work would be completed by September 2026. The committee also discussed the proposed allocation of the 104 new lodges.

Members questioned the basis of the existing distribution ratio between the Senate and the National Assembly. The committee recommended that the newly constructed lodges should be allocated to Senators. It also proposed that the matter should be resolved through consultation between the leaderships of both houses of Parliament.

To independently check the quality and progress of the work, the committee formed a three-member inspection committee. The inspection committee includes Senator Kamil Ali Agha, Senator Nasir Mehmood and Senator Hidayatullah Khan. This committee will inspect the project and submit its report in the next meeting of the House Committee.

The committee also discussed the demolition of a guest room constructed by Senator Atta ur Rehman after obtaining permission. Members expressed concern over the action and directed CDA to submit the relevant record of the incident. The committee also recommended reimbursement of the expenditure incurred by the Senator after verification.

While reviewing budget allocation and utilization for the current financial year, the committee recommended outsourcing repair and maintenance works through a transparent mechanism. Members said outsourcing through a clear and transparent process could improve quality and accountability. The committee directed CDA to provide lodge wise expenditure details within 15 days.

It also recommended a special audit of repair and maintenance works carried out during the last five years. The committee further recommended a forensic examination of development works at Parliament Lodges. The committee also reviewed safety and security arrangements at Parliament Lodges.

Members were informed about the deployment of security personnel, CCTV surveillance and Safe City monitoring. The committee directed immediate measures to prevent the entry of stray dogs into the premises. It also recommended further strengthening of security arrangements to ensure the safety of Members of Parliament and their families.