Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works has mandated the completion of the Green Enclave-I housing project within 18 months and ordered intensified actions against encroachments in various sectors of the capital. The committee, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood, addressed the ongoing challenges in housing schemes, including land annexation issues and project delays, emphasizing the protection of allottees’ rights.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee meeting included discussions on the alleged annexation of Shamilaat and forest lands to Sky Gardens and Green Enclave-II, the litigation status of Green Enclave-I, and the progress of anti-encroachment operations led by the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA). FGEHA reported that over 60 percent of encroachments had been cleared, with approximately 3,000 kanals of land recovered in several sectors, including F-12/G-12, G-14, and G-15.

The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the delays in the Green Enclave-I project, which remains incomplete despite clearance from the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2018. Concerns were raised about the FGEHA’s joint venture partner’s performance and the absence of penalty clauses for delays. It was noted that development work was stalled, with only 52 percent of construction completed.

Negotiations with the JV partner have concluded, and approval from the FGEHA Board regarding cost escalation is awaited. The JV partner committed to finishing the project within the stipulated 18 months. The committee will conduct site visits every three months to monitor progress and has requested a submission of the newly approved agreement with the JV partner.

Regarding the Sky Gardens scheme, the committee was briefed on the reopened NAB inquiry into the alleged annexation of Shamilaat land. Development work on approximately 2,600 kanals has been suspended pending a final determination on the land’s status by the Senior Member Board of Revenue. The committee directed NAB to conduct a transparent inquiry and emphasized adherence to legal and judicial directives in all FGEHA housing developments.