ISLAMABAD; In a key move to address the worsening state of lawmakers’ accommodation, Deputy Chairman Senate, Senator Syedaal Khan, chaired an important meeting of the Senate House Committee at Parliament House on Friday.
The meeting focused on pressing issues related to the Parliament Lodges — the primary residential complex for parliamentarians — including urgent repairs, maintenance shortfalls, construction of 104 new suites, and the financial allocations needed to implement these measures.
The session highlighted growing concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Lodges, with committee members stressing that the living facilities meant for elected representatives were plagued by mismanagement, poor upkeep, and an alarming lack of basic services.
Against this backdrop, the Committee also took up the issue of administrative inefficiency and lapses by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), which is responsible for maintaining the complex.
This high-level meeting, attended by key senators, cabinet members, and senior officials from the Interior, Finance, and Law divisions, underscored the Senate’s resolve to ensure that the accommodations provided to parliamentarians meet proper standards. It also aimed to hold responsible departments accountable and put in place a robust oversight mechanism to drive timely improvements.
Minister of State for Interior, Senator Talal Chaudhry, assured the Committee that under the directions of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and in consultation with the Speaker National Assembly, immediate measures would be initiated to construct 104 new suites and address all pending issues at the Lodges.
Officials from the Finance Division informed the Committee that adequate funds had been earmarked for the maintenance of the Lodges for fiscal year 2025–26. However, the CDA Director for Parliament Lodges revealed that previous unpaid liabilities had delayed maintenance activities.
In light of these issues, the Committee decided to hold monthly meetings to closely monitor the situation. It also endorsed recommendations from the Senate Finance Committee to replace the current CDA staff, citing inefficiency and long postings, and suggested appointing honest and diligent officers for repair and maintenance.
Taking note of the unauthorized occupation of lodges by former members, the Committee called for immediate eviction to address the severe accommodation shortage. Additionally, it emphasized prioritizing maintenance of lodges allotted to female parliamentarians.
