NA body concerned over delay in completion of 104 family suites

ISLAMABAD: Expressing serious concern over the inordinate delay in the completion of the 104 additional family suites—originally launched in 2011 with a projected completion in 2013—the National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on House and Library noted that the prolonged delay has significantly escalated project costs.

The Committee directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to expedite efforts and ensure the timely completion of the project without any further delays. The NA Standing Committee on House and Library met under the Chairpersonship of Deputy Speaker, National Assembly, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), Islamabad, to review the progress on various matters related to Parliament Lodges. The Committee reviewed the status of the ongoing construction of 104 additional family suites and 500 servant quarters adjacent to Parliament Lodges, as well as the repair and maintenance work of existing family suites in Parliament Lodges and the government hostel. To oversee the construction progress firsthand, the Committee decided to visit the site of the additional 104 family suites. Additionally, the Committee approved an increase in the monthly rent of the family suites. The member administration of the CDA briefed the Committee on the current status of the construction work. He informed that the Planning Division has approved the PC-1 for the remaining work, and the tender has already been advertised. Bids are scheduled to open on 21st April 2025.

He assured the Committee that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure the project’s early completion. Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah instructed the CDA to prepare and present a comprehensive roadmap in the next meeting, including timelines and detailed budgetary allocations, in consultation with the Finance and Planning divisions. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 17th April 2025. The Committee also reviewed the repair and maintenance work of Parliament Lodges and government hostel. It directed the CDA to complete all pending tasks within the stipulated timeframe. Furthermore, the deputy speaker asked the CDA to prepare and submit a detailed proposal regarding the outsourcing of repair and maintenance services at Parliament Lodges and government hostel. The meeting was attended by MNAs Ms. Aliya Kamran, Ms. Sofia Saeed Shah, and Malik Anwar Taj, along with senior officers from the ministries of Interior, Finance, Planning Division, and the CDA.