Islamabad: The meeting of the Senate Sub-Committee on Parliamentary Lodges was held today under the chairmanship of Senator Nasir Mehmood. Senators Danesh Kumar, Poonjo Bheel, and Hidayatullah Khan also attended.
The Convener briefed the Committee on follow-up actions from the previous meeting. The Committee expressed serious concern over the non-submission of the inquiry report on repair and maintenance works in the Parliamentary Lodges. Members noted significant cost escalations, with repair expenses for some units exceeding PKR 10 million.
The Director CDA informed the Committee that the increased costs were mainly due to multiple taxes applied to repair and maintenance works. A detailed tax breakdown will be provided. The Special Secretary of the Ministry of Interior added that contractors often begin work in advance, but payments are made after several years, resulting in increased liabilities and higher project costs.
Updating the Committee on overall progress, the Director CDA reported that 57 applications had been received. Of these, 22 tenders have been floated and work completed. Physical inspection of 20 completed works has been finalized, while the rest will be inspected soon. Five additional tenders have been opened, and work orders will be issued shortly. Tender notices for 10 more works will be opened in early December. Another 20 works are currently under approval. The Member Engineering assured full allocation of remaining works.
Acting on the proposal of the Special Secretary Interior, the Committee recommended that CDA present a comprehensive service agreement model for repair and maintenance, preferably following the Supreme Court's mechanism. A financial expert will also brief the Committee on its operational and financial implications.
The Committee directed the CDA Director to submit a complete plan covering all 57 works-including completed projects, pending tenders, and timelines-within one week. Members noted that delays in financial planning, fund releases, and procedural requirements continue to hamper effective maintenance of the Parliamentary Lodges.
Regarding the construction of 104 new lodges, the Committee was informed that funds have been released by the Finance Division and the project is expected to be completed by June 30, with subsequent phases to follow.
At the end of the meeting, the Committee inspected the site of the new lodges, including a model apartment. It directed that work quality must not be compromised and all construction must strictly follow approved BOQs. Timely completion was emphasized to ensure maximum benefit for members.
The next meeting of the Sub-Committee will be held on December 4, 2025.