Economic empowerment of minorities, women remains …

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.

Women parliamentarians in Balochistan have strongly condemned the killing of a mother and daughter in Nushki. The victims were reportedly killed after militants entered their home. The lawmakers described the incident as deeply tragic. They said the attack was also against Baloch traditions and social values. They expressed concern over the targeting of civilians, especially women. Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, Balochistan government adviser Meena Majeed said the victims were identified as Bibi Hanifa and Hafsa. She alleged that the two women were killed by militants linked to what the authorities describe as Fitna al-Hindustan. Majeed questioned why the mother and daughter were targeted. She asked what their crime was. She said ordinary Baloch citizens were now facing threats from militants. She also expressed concern about the targeting of women. Majeed said the government and security forces were continuing operations against militants in the province. She assured that those involved in the Nushki attack would be identified and brought before the law. She said the government would continue efforts to protect civilians. Balochistan Assembly Deputy Speaker Ghazala also condemned the incident. She said women parliamentarians would not remain silent over the killing of the mother and daughter. Ghazala stressed that women must be protected everywhere. She said their safety should remain a priority under all circumstances. Provincial Education Minister Raheela Durrani also expressed strong concern over the incident. Durrani questioned the message being sent about Balochistan when women were targeted and killed. She said such incidents damage the image of the province and create fear among local communities. The women lawmakers said violence against civilians could not be tolerated. They called for effective action against those responsible for the killings. They also stressed the need for stronger security measures to protect women and other vulnerable citizens. The lawmakers expressed solidarity with the victims’ families. They said the government and security institutions must ensure that those responsible for the attack face justice.