13th meeting on housing and works: NA body says concerned at absence of minister, secy
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Housing and Works expressed serious concerns over the absence of the Minister and the Secretary concerned and deferred its meeting due to the absence of the Secretary and senior officers who were scheduled to brief the committee.
The 13th meeting of the Standing Committee on Housing and Works was held here on Monday under the chairmanship of Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri.
The committee also expressed concern over the non-submission of the required compliance report and the provision of incomplete information. It directed the Ministry and its attached departments to submit all outstanding compliances, implementation status of previous recommendations, complete agenda-wise briefs and verified responses ahead of the next meeting.
“If the government has decided not to give importance to the committee because its chairman belongs to JUI-F, it should simply call off the meeting,” Agha Rafiullah remarked before boycotting the meeting in protest.
The committee emphasized improved coordination and timely communication to facilitate meaningful deliberations and effective parliamentary oversight.
The committee further emphasized that the PWD employees placed in the Surplus Pool should be considered for adjustment against available positions in PIDAMA, in view of their valuable experience, institutional knowledge and relevant expertise.
It observed that inducting new employees would require additional time for orientation and familiarization with existing systems and procedures, whereas utilizing experienced surplus employees would ensure continuity and operational efficiency.
The committee also raised concerns over the alleged illegal occupation and renting out of government-owned accommodations in Islamabad. MNA Samina Mohiuddin said that several government houses in I-8 had reportedly been occupied by private individuals who were paying rent, allegedly with the connivance of officials of the Estate Office.
A Joint Secretary of the ministry acknowledged that some houses remained vacant, prompting committee members to question why such properties were not being allotted to eligible government employees.
The issue of government employees awaiting possession of flats and houses in Islamabad also came under discussion. Member of the committee Abrar Ahmed said that the employees who had paid for accommodation were still waiting for possession.
Chairman of the Committee Ghafoor Haideri questioned why the newly appointed housing secretary had not attended the meeting. Joint Secretary to the Ministry said the secretary housing had not yet assumed charge, while the federal minister was attending a meeting with the prime minister.
The meeting was attended by MNAs AnjumAqeel Khan, Ibrar Ahmad, Anwar Ul Haq Chaudhry, Samina Khalid Ghurki (online), Syed Sami Ul Hassan Gilani, Seema Mohi-ud-Din Jameeli, Dr. Darshan, Mir Amir Ali Magsi, Hassaan Sabir (online), and officers of the Ministry of Housing and Works and its attached departments.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026