Islamabad
The Sub-Committee of the Senate House Committee met at the Parliament Lodges under the convenership of Senator Nasir Mehmood. The meeting was attended by Senator Danesh Kumar, Senator Hidayatullah Khan, and senior officers from the Ministry of Interior, Capital Development Authority (CDA), and the Senate Secretariat.
At the outset, the Committee expressed concern over the absence of uniform and consolidated data in the submissions received, directing all departments to ensure standardized reporting in the future.
The Committee received a briefing on the proposed Service Agreement Model, designed to expedite repair and maintenance works through predefined standards for civil, electrical, and furnishing tasks. Officials informed the Committee that awarding block-wise contracts and establishing a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) would enhance efficiency, monitoring, and timely completion of tasks.
During deliberations, Senator Hidayatullah Khan sought details regarding the auction of condemned items and deductions applied to servant quarters, including house rent and utility charges. CDA officials stated that records of unserviceable items have been maintained since 2018 and all disposals are carried out strictly under approved procedures. They added that proper inventory management and handing-over/taking-over protocols are in place, with penalties imposed where items are found missing upon vacation of lodges.
The Committee endorsed the proposal to introduce a comprehensive disposal policy with fixed lifespans for items before being declared unserviceable. CDA further committed to submitting a computerized inventory of all existing items, along with a ten-year auction record, and to ensure complete inventories are provided to Members at the time of possession and vacation of suites. All required records are to be submitted within one month.
The Committee also sought details of deductions from servant quarters, the full canteen contract with its rate list, and information on the number of shops within the lodges, their allotments, allottees, and monthly rents. Noting repeated complaints, the Committee directed strict enforcement of food hygiene standards in the canteen.
Following the meeting, the Committee visited the newly constructed 104 New Parliament Lodges, inspected sample units, and issued directions for minor corrections and improvements.
The meeting concluded with the Committee reaffirming its commitment to transparency, improved facilities, and strengthened management of the Parliament Lodges.
