ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Standing Committee on Housing and Works on Wednesday showed its grave concern over the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) failure in completion of projects.
Many projects of FGEHA that include Kashmir Apartments, Life Style Residency Project, Bhara Kahu housing schemes — Green Enclave and Sky Gardens — Park Road housing scheme, sector F-14 and F-15, Chaklala Heights etc had been facing inordinate delays.
The committee, which met here with MNA Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri in the chair, discussed various agenda items including delayed housing projects of the FGEHA.
The committee also noted with concern the significant delays in housing projects under the FGEHA, stating that these delays have forced allottees to bear costs exceeding the original estimates, creating substantial financial burdens for them.
Furthermore, the committee pointed out that delays have resulted in budget overruns and increased long-term costs, negatively impacting the financial health and credibility of the FGEHA. The committee directed that responsibility for the project delays be fixed and the agencies concernedcarry out a thorough investigation and take appropriate action against those found responsible for the delay.
Committee member MNA from Islamabad Anjum Aqeel Khan showed his displeasure of FGEHA for not clearing compensation cases of local land affected people in sector F-14.
He said neither FGEHA is paying compensation amount nor allowing people to sell their land in open market. “You know many people want to arrange wedding of their children and fulfill some other important responsibilities and they are dependent on compensation amount,” he said.
The FGHEA is criticized for delaying payments to locals, despite offering below-market rates. This delay is seen as a grave injustice, causing financial hardship and frustration for the affected people.
The authority’s tactics are perceived as unfair, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in their dealings.The committee discussed the current status of plot allotments made by the FGEHA under the journalist quota.
The discussion included an overview of the total number of plots allotted to journalists, the number of pending allotments, and the criteria and procedures governing these allocations. The committee sought clarity on the transparency and fairness of the process, with a view to ensuring equitable treatment for all eligible journalists.
Earlier, the committee expressed its serious concern over the proposed closure of the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD). The committee emphasised that such a move would not only impact employees but also severely disrupt the efficient execution of public sector projects.
The committee reiterated its request to the prime minister to reconsider the decision to shut down Pak PWD and deferred the Pakistan Infrastructure Development and Assets Management Authority Bill, 2004, until a response is received from the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the closure of PWD.
Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2025
