ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Housing and Works on Monday expressed serious concerns over the absence of the housing minister and secretary and deferred its meeting without discussing the main agenda items.

The meeting of the committee was supposed to be held under the chairmanship of Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri.

Meanwhile, the committee also expressed concern over the non-submission of the required compliance report and the provision of incomplete information. It directed the ministry and the attached departments to submit all outstanding compliances, implementation status of previous recommendations, complete agenda-wise briefs and verified responses well in advance of the next meeting.

The committee emphasised improved coordination and timely communication to facilitate meaningful deliberations and effective parliamentary oversight.

Before deferring the meeting, however, the committee said the PWD employees placed in the surplus pool should be considered for adjustment against available positions in Pakistan Infrastructure Development and Asset Management Authority.

It observed that inducting new employees would require additional time for orientation and familiarisation with existing systems and procedures, whereas utilising experienced surplus employees would ensure continuity and operational efficiency.

The brief meeting was attended by MNAs Anjum Aqeel Khan, Ibrar Ahmad, Anwarul Haq Chaudhry, Samina Khalid Ghurki (online), Syed Samiul Hassan Gilani, Seema Mohiuddin Jameeli, Dr Darshan, Mir Amir Ali Magsi and Hassaan Sabir (online).

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026