AJK orders re-polling at 23 stations in Bagh

Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works raised serious concerns over delays in major federal housing projects, where thousands of allottees have waited years for possession of their plots and apartments despite making payments. The committee decided to summon the Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in its next meeting to brief it on investigations, inquiries and legal issues related to delayed housing projects managed by the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA). The decision came after lawmakers expressed frustration over the long delays in the Green Enclave I project in Bara Kahu, Islamabad, where some allottees have reportedly waited years for possession after making payments for many years. The Senate committee, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood, reviewed the progress of several housing schemes and questioned why projects launched for public sector employees and other members had remained incomplete for such a long period. During the briefing, officials informed the committee about the status of housing schemes managed by FGEHA and the PHA Foundation. While reviewing the Green Enclave I project in Bara Kahu, the committee learned that land acquisition started in 2009 and the project covers around 3,375 kanals. Members expressed concern that despite a construction agreement being signed in 2019, physical development work remains suspended due to disputes related to contracts, work execution and security requirements. The committee was told that many allottees had been making payments since 2008 but had still not received physical possession of their plots. Lawmakers questioned how citizens could continue waiting for years after fulfilling their financial responsibilities. Housing officials informed the committee that development work could restart after approval from the relevant board once contractual disputes are resolved. However, members expressed dissatisfaction over the continued delay and decided to seek answers from NAB regarding the matter. The committee also reviewed the Green Enclave II or Sky Garden Housing Scheme located in Mauza Kathar and Mauza Mangal. Officials informed the committee that the project covers around 7,300 kanals and that more than 2,455 consent notices have been issued. The committee was informed that over Rs4.21 billion had been collected from members under different categories. Officials said land related issues in Mauza Kathar had been resolved, while the court decided legal disputes regarding Mauza Mangal in favour of FGEHA in April 2026. The committee reviewed the expected development timeline and was informed that block wise plot handovers are planned between December 2026 and March 2027. To remove administrative delays, the committee decided to call the Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi for a detailed briefing in the next meeting. The committee also examined the EHFPRO Lifestyle Residency Apartments project in Sector G 13, Islamabad. Officials informed lawmakers that around 70 percent of the physical work had been completed, but the project faced serious problems due to rising construction costs after COVID 19, financial difficulties and the death of the private contractor. Following repeated violations, the joint venture agreement was terminated and FGEHA took control of the project. Officials said they are now trying to restart the project through a Public Private Partnership model to avoid placing additional financial pressure on allottees. The committee was informed that the project’s planning approval has been completed and the process to select a new partner is underway. Members directed the ministry to provide regular updates on the progress of the project. The Senate committee also reviewed the PHA F Residencia Project on Kuchlak Road, Quetta, and other government housing facilities. Officials informed the committee that the Quetta project has achieved around 50 percent physical progress. They said construction work has progressed on houses and apartment blocks, while additional units are being processed through new tendering. The committee also reviewed maintenance work at Federal Lodges and noted improvements in cleaning, repairs, and electrical work. Members discussed issues faced by residents, including water supply, drainage and basic facilities at some housing schemes. Officials informed the committee that discussions were ongoing between housing authorities and residents’ representatives to solve these problems. The committee also reminded residents that any unauthorised changes in buildings must be regularised through the Capital Development Authority. Senator Nasir Mehmood stressed that housing projects involving public money must be completed on time and that the rights of allottees must be protected. The committee said delays in public housing schemes create financial and emotional difficulties for citizens and directed relevant departments to improve transparency and speed up development work.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police have accused the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of pursuing an agenda aimed at creating unrest in the region. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khawar Ali Shaukat made the allegations during a press conference in Rawalakot on Wednesday. The police official said recent violence in Rawalakot had raised serious questions about the group’s claim that it was engaged in peaceful protests. Shaukat alleged that armed groups attacked security personnel at several locations across the city over the past two days. According to the police official, the attackers used sophisticated weapons during the clashes. He said security personnel came under repeated fire during the incidents. The SSP said one Rangers official was martyred in the violence. He added that around 15 police officers and other law enforcement personnel were injured. Shaukat claimed that several suspects had been arrested in connection with the attacks. He said a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from those taken into custody. The recovered weapons allegedly included heavy arms. Police also claimed to have seized an automatic weapon believed to be of American origin. The SSP said the recovery raised concerns about the nature and objectives of the group involved in the violence. He accused the proscribed organisation of attempting to disrupt peace in AJK and create divisions within society. Shaukat also rejected claims circulating on social media that security forces had deliberately targeted peaceful protesters. He said the situation on the ground was different from the narrative being presented online. According to the police official, law enforcement agencies exercised restraint throughout the unrest. He claimed that security personnel responded only after coming under attack. The latest police statement comes after clashes between protesters and security forces in different parts of AJK. Violence was reported in Rawalakot on Monday and in Mirpur on Tuesday. The clashes reportedly resulted in several casualties, although details surrounding the losses remained disputed. The JAAC has been holding protests across the region for several weeks. Among its demands is the abolition of 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir. The dispute has led to growing tensions between protesters and the authorities. The government has also accused militant elements of exploiting the protests. It has alleged that some groups involved in the unrest are pursuing a foreign agenda and receiving financial support from India. The JAAC has rejected such allegations and accused security forces of using excessive force against its supporters. The group has claimed that dozens of its supporters were killed during clashes. However, the claim has not been officially confirmed. The competing claims have added to uncertainty surrounding the situation in AJK. Authorities are now investigating the violence and the alleged involvement of armed individuals. Police have also indicated that further arrests could follow as the investigation progresses.