Yasmeen Sabir
Islamabad; The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works convened today under the Chairmanship of Senator Nasir Mehmood to review the implementation status of its recommendations concerning the non-payment of salaries to erstwhile employees of the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD), as well as to examine key issues related to projects of the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA).
The meeting was attended by Senator Hidayat Ullah Khan, Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan, Senator Bilal Ahmed Khan, Senator Khalida Ateeb, Senator Husna Bano, and Senator Jan Muhammad. Senator Shahadat Awan participated as the mover of the starred question.
The Committee expressed grave concern over the continued non-payment of salaries to employees absorbed in various ministries, divisions, and departments following the dissolution of Pak PWD. Taking serious notice of the matter, the Committee highlighted that 253 absorbed employees have not received their salaries since July 2025, causing severe financial distress and adversely affecting their ability to meet basic needs.
Briefing the Committee, the Secretary Housing informed that 89 percent of the absorbed employees are currently receiving their salaries. He stated that the outstanding issue primarily pertains to the requirement of additional budgetary allocations, and that the Finance Division has assured the timely release of funds to the concerned entities. The Finance Division clarified that it has not yet received any request for additional budget allocation from the Intelligence Bureau, adding that the matter would be resolved promptly upon receipt of the requisite request. The Secretary Establishment and Secretary Housing assured the Committee of early resolution. The Chairman directed the Intelligence Bureau and other defaulting departments to attend the next meeting and submit a detailed report. He also reaffirmed the Committee’s full support for the affected employees.
The Committee was also briefed on the issue of non-vacation of government accommodations by retired government employees. It was informed that, following the Committee’s intervention, four government residences have been vacated, while the remaining cases are expected to be resolved shortly. The Chairman ordered stern action and directed the submission of a compliance report in the next meeting.
Additionally, the Committee reviewed the bidding process for the Lifestyle Residency Project and raised serious concerns regarding the accountability of decisions taken by the FGEHA Board. The Committee expressed dissatisfaction over prolonged delays in project completion and questioned the rationale behind the project remaining pending for an extended period. Members also deliberated on whether the provision of residential facilities to retired government officials falls within the government’s core responsibilities.
The Committee was informed that FGEHA plans to invite Expressions of Interest (EOIs) by the end of March 2026 to move forward with the project. The Secretary Housing assured the Committee that no new projects will be initiated until all ongoing projects are completed.
The Committee also examined issues faced by allottees of PHA-F Residencia, Kurri Road, Islamabad. After detailed deliberations, the Chairman directed the allottees and PHA management to engage constructively to resolve the outstanding issues. He further instructed residents to obtain completion certificates from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and PHA, and to submit a report upon resolution.
