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The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works raised urgent concerns over unpaid salaries and delays in housing projects during its latest session, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood. Lawmakers reviewed the ongoing issues faced by former Pakistan Public Works Department employees and examined challenges in Federal Government Employees Housing Authority projects.
The meeting saw participation from Senators Hidayat Ullah Khan, Abdul Shakoor Khan, Bilal Ahmed Khan, Khalida Ateeb, Husna Bano, and Jan Muhammad, with Senator Shahadat Awan attending as the mover of a starred question.
Committee members voiced serious alarm over the non-payment of salaries to employees absorbed into various ministries, divisions, and departments after Pak PWD’s dissolution. Officials revealed that 253 employees have not received salaries since July 2025, creating significant financial hardship and affecting their ability to meet basic needs.
The Secretary of Housing reported that 89 percent of the absorbed employees are now receiving their salaries. He explained that delays stem from pending budget allocations, which the Finance Division has promised to release once requested by the relevant departments. The Finance Division noted it had not yet received any request from the Intelligence Bureau but assured the Committee that the matter would be addressed promptly upon submission.
Both the Secretary of Housing and the Secretary of Establishment assured lawmakers that the issue would be resolved soon. The chairman instructed the Intelligence Bureau and other departments withholding salaries to attend the next meeting with a detailed report. He also pledged full support for Pak PWD employees.
The Committee was updated on the non-vacation of government accommodations by retired employees. Officials noted that four properties had been vacated following the committee’s intervention, while the remaining units were expected to be cleared soon. Senator Nasir Mehmood called for strict action and requested a compliance report in the next session.
Housing Projects and Resident Issues Under Scrutiny
Lawmakers also scrutinized the bidding process for the Lifestyle Residency Project under FGEHA. The Committee raised questions about the accountability of the FGEHA Board, delays in project completion, and whether providing residential facilities for retired officials is a government responsibility. Officials responded that Expressions of Interest for the project would be called by March 2026. The Secretary of Housing assured that no new projects would begin until ongoing ones are completed.
Finally, the Committee addressed issues faced by allottees of PHA-F Residencia on Kurri Road, Islamabad. After deliberation, the chairman instructed both residents and PHA management to resolve disputes through direct engagement. He also directed all residents to obtain completion certificates from the Capital Development Authority and PHA and submit a follow-up report once issues are resolved.
