ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Housing and Works on Monday supported in principle ‘The Islamabad Capital Territory Condominium (Ownership and Management) Bill, 2026’ but deferred its consideration till the next meeting scheduled for February 9.

A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri to consider the bill along with other matters related to federal housing and development projects.

The committee members said they were not opposed to the bill and were supportive of it.However, they said in the absence of the federal minister and the federal secretary, detailed discussions were not possible.

“The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) lacks a legal framework for shared property ownership and management in multi-unit buildings. The proposed bill aims to regulate condominium ownership, transfer, and collective maintenance to ensure orderly urban development and protection of the owners’ rights.

“The objective of the bill is to provide a comprehensive legal mechanism for individual ownership of condominium units, shared rights in common areas, establishment of an association of owners for collective management, and creation of a regulatory and dispute resolution framework,” the statement of objects and reasons of the bill read.

“It shall extend to the entire ICT and applies to all condominium complexes and units. The enactment of this bill will formalise condominium ownership structures, enhance governance of shared properties, ensure accountability in management and align ICT’s housing regulation with modern urban property practices,” the statement said.

The committee took serious note of the repeated absence of the federal secretary, Ministry of Housing and Works. In view of the continued absence, the committee recommended raising the matter on the floor of the house and issued a letter of displeasure, emphasising the need for regular and timely attendance at all future meetings.

The committee observed that the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) had submitted outdated data, which was insufficient for informed review, and directed FGEHA to submit revised and up-to-date information in the next meeting.

The committee further directed the Ministry of Housing and Works to provide a detailed list of its properties in Karachi in the next meeting.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Anjum Aqeel Khan, Ibrar Ahmad, Haji Rasool Bux Chandio, Dr Darshan, Samina Khalid Ghurki (via Zoom), and Syed Sami Ul Hasan Gilani (via Zoom). Senior officers were also present, including the additional secretary, Ministry of Housing and Works, along with officers of its attached departments.

Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2026