ISLAMABAD, Nov 18: The Parliament Lodges are in a pathetic condition and the authorities concerned have failed to renovate the suites, Dawn has learnt.
Members of the National Assembly, who earlier created a fuss over the allotment issue, are complaining of a host of problems, ranging from non-availability of water to discriminatory treatment at the hands of the allotting authority, the National Assembly secretary.
It is worth mentioning here that the government, despite making regular budgetary allocations, had bracketed an additional amount of Rs3.5 million for the renovations of the Parliament Lodges, but to no avail.
The newly-elected MNAs, irked by foul smell emanating from their suites, have filed complaints with the lodges deputy director, Gulzar Hameed, to change the entire interior of their rooms.
A group of MNAs from Karachi, who requested not be named, complained of the mismanagement of the authorities concerned and criticized the discriminatory behaviour meted out to them.
“Firstly, we were kept waiting for the allotment and, after hectic efforts, when the first step was over, we were asked to arrange bedding ourselves. At present, we are spending sleepless nights by using curtains to keep us warm,” they said.
In Karachi, at present, the temperature is about 37 degree centigrade, but, suddenly, to live under 10 degree centigrade and, that too, without blankets is a painful experience, the MNAs said.
“We are forced to live without room heaters, geysers and telephone facility as if we are here to undergo some punishment, rather than attending the NA session”, they observed.
Some of the MNAs are sharing suites with other members, and have been asked to wait for allotment of separate appartments as the newly-constructed lodges are yet to be given the finishing touch.
Dr Attaur Rehman, an MNA from Mardan, was of the view that the government was deliberately creating problems for the members who belonged to the opposition.
HE SAID: “I was allotted a suite in the morning, but when I came in the evening another MNA had occupied my apartment.” He added that the authorities concerned were paying little attention to his problem.