ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Friday came down hard on MNA Jamshed Dasti for his dubbing the Parliament Lodges a den of immoral activities.

Addressing the National Assembly, the minister said the MNA should have lodged a complaint with the speaker rather than coming on media.

Mr Dasti silently heard the minister and did not seek the speaker’s permission to respond to Chaudhry Nisar’s speech.

“If there was any such thing, the honourable member should have talked to us. Defaming all parliamentarians without any proof is unjust,” Mr Khan said.

Categorically denying the allegation, the minister informed the house that the Parliament Lodges were safe and secure and unnecessary movement of unconcerned people within the limits of the building was next to impossible, particularly due to security reasons.

Earlier, Mr Dasti on a point of order alleged that girls were brought to the lodges and dances were arranged.

“The Parliament Lodges had become a den of immoral activities as liquor worth between Rs40 million and Rs50 million was supplied there. The odour of liquor and charas could be felt all over the place,” Mr Dasti said.

Though the MNA had claimed that he had video footage to prove his allegations, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan refuted his claims.

“I would like to say again if there is any proof against any parliamentarian he should come forward and show it to us. We will take action,” the interior minister assured the house.

He also said such a careless statement was a direct attack on the parliamentarians.

“While giving such statements one should consider that our sisters and mothers representing the nation are also living in the lodges,” Mr Khan added.

Lodges director transferred

In another development, the CDA had changed its director, Parliament Lodges, but the officials claim that the move had nothing to do with the allegations or the debate in the lower house.

The human resource (HR) department of the CDA on Friday transferred Taj Warsi, director Parliament Lodges and posted him as director maintenance.

Responding to the query, head of the HR department, Aasia Gul, said it was a routine transfer.

“His service was required as director maintenance, because he is an honest and upright officer,” she said.

The director maintenance is responsible to execute civil works and carry out repairs at various residential units and offices of the CDA.