Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works expressed serious concerns regarding delayed payments to former employees of the Pakistan Public Works Department and the slow progress of the Green Enclave-I Housing Project. Chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood, the Committee held a meeting at Parliament Lodges to address various issues linked to the Ministry of Housing and Works, including the adjustment of former Pak PWD employees and the status of delayed development projects.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the Committee was informed that out of 20,024 former Pak PWD employees adjusted in various ministries, salaries for 3,094 had been released, while payments for around 30 employees remained pending. Chairman Senator Nasir Mehmood urged officials to honor commitments and ensure swift payment of salaries and arrears. The Ministry of Finance noted the introduction of a revised funding mechanism intended to expedite payment processes.

The Committee also scrutinized the Green Enclave-I Housing Project, noting significant delays and cost escalations. Officials attributed delays to litigation, land disputes, and other complications, while work on the project had resumed. The Committee directed that Contractor Dr. Hafeez Abbasi be summoned to explain the delays and urged stakeholders to cooperate for timely project completion.

Additionally, the Committee reviewed other projects, including the Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat lift repairs and the Model Jail project. Concerns were raised over the slow pace of work, and the Committee announced plans for on-site visits to monitor progress. The performance of the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority was also evaluated, with calls for ongoing projects to be completed before launching new ones.

The meeting concluded with directives for all relevant ministries to implement the Committee’s recommendations promptly and provide a detailed progress report in the next session.