Water at Parliament House and Lodges declared unfit for drinking

Islamabad: In a serious disclosure before the 19th Standing Committee meeting on June 29, 2026, Federal Minister Musadik Malik confirmed that water from filter plants at Parliament House and Parliament Lodges was unfit for drinking. This raised fresh questions over the condition of drinking water even in the country’s most high profile government areas.

Acting Chair Dr. Shazia Sobia raised concern during the meeting that water at Parliament Lodges and Parliament House filter plants was not drinkable. Responding to the concern, Minister Musadik Malik said it was “absolutely not fit for drinking.” He added that he and the Secretary had forced the team to take samples and the report confirmed the water was undrinkable.

The minister also pointed out the bigger public problem: officials may buy bottled water, but common citizens, including people living in areas such as French Colony, are forced to drink contaminated water. The discussion showed that unsafe water is not only a problem in poor areas but has also reached important government buildings.

The committee was informed that two major projects, “Capacity Building on Water Quality Monitoring” and “SDG-6,” were completed in June 2026. These projects aimed to improve water quality testing and monitoring systems.

In Islamabad, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency and PCRWR laboratories were improved, and a mobile van was also provided for on-site water checking.

However, the minister clarified that the Ministry can set standards and conduct water tests, but providing clean drinking water is not directly the Ministry’s responsibility. He said water supply is a provincial subject, and in Islamabad, the responsibility lies with the Capital Development Authority.

The committee also discussed the serious issue of sewage entering water streams in Islamabad. Member raised concern that freshwater streams in the capital are being turned into “ganda nalas,” or sewage drains, and this dirty water eventually flows toward Rawal Dam.

The issue was considered important because Rawal Dam is one of the main sources of drinking water. The committee noted that sewage flowing into water channels can create a major health risk for citizens.

The committee was informed that work is moving forward on the Korang Nullah Sewage Treatment Plant, which is meant to treat sewage before it enters Rawal Dam. The CDA representative said the tender process had been completed and technical evaluations were done.

According to the CDA update, financial bids for the Korang Nullah Sewage Treatment Plant are expected to be opened within 10 to 15 days. The project is aimed at reducing sewage pollution in water flowing toward Rawal Dam.

The meeting also reviewed the situation in Margalla Hills National Park, including fire incidents, tree cutting, plantation, invasive plants and the legal boundaries of the park.

Officials said fire incidents in Margalla Hills were lower this year compared to last year. They linked the improvement to better coordination between the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board and CDA, along with favourable weather conditions.

The committee was told that the Up scaled Green Pakistan Programme includes specific steps for Margalla Hills conservation. These include new plantations and removal of alien, or invasive, plant species that can harm the natural environment.

The issue of tree cutting and forest management was also discussed. The committee was informed that the seat of Inspector General of Forests is no longer vacant and the new IG Forest has established a protocol with CDA.

Under this protocol, decisions will be made about which trees can be cut and which trees should be protected. It was also stated that only indigenous, or local, tree varieties should be planted in the area.

Acting Chair Dr. Shazia Sobia also raised concern over the continuing confusion about the legal boundaries of Margalla Hills National Park. She said there has been a clash and lack of clarity over where the park starts and ends.

The committee noted that it had not yet received a proper briefing on the demarcation of Margalla Hills National Park. This lack of clarity has been creating management disputes between different departments.

The committee directed the Ministry and CDA to provide a detailed report in the next meeting on the demarcation and legal boundaries of Margalla Hills National Park so that ongoing conflicts can be resolved.

The meeting also discussed air quality and urban flooding. Officials said the Ministry is working with UN Habitat on a National Urban Strategy to deal with urban flooding and urban heat islands.

Under the Up scaled Green Pakistan Programme, a new “Clean Air Islamabad” project is also being planned. Officials said the project will install international-standard air monitoring equipment across the city.

The equipment will provide real time data on pollution in Islamabad. Officials said the existing air quality standards, which date back to 2009 and 2012, are also being upgraded with support from the Asian Development Bank.

The updated air quality standards are expected by September or October 2026. The committee was informed that this step will help improve monitoring and decision making on air pollution.