Day: July 30, 2026

Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works met today under the Chairmanship of Senator Nasir Mehmood at Parliament Lodges, to conduct a comprehensive oversight review of major ongoing public housing projects, joint ventures, and civil infrastructure directives across Islamabad and some projects in Quetta.

Expressing profound concern over long-standing structural, legal, and administrative bottlenecks that have stalled key development initiatives for years, the Committee reiterated its firm commitment to safeguarding the financial interests and legal rights of public sector allottees.

During the deliberations, the Secretary for Housing and Works presented a detailed briefing on the status of various housing schemes managed by the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) and the PHA Foundation (PHAF).

Committee Directs to call NAB Chairman Briefing on Bara Kahu and Sky Garden Schemes in the next meeting.

Reviewing the Green Enclave-I project in Bara Kahu, Islamabad where land acquisition commenced as far back as 2009 covering 3,375 kanals, the Committee observed with grave concern that despite the signing of a construction agreement in 2019, physical work remains suspended due to ongoing disputes regarding contractual modes, work execution percentages, and performance security revisions.

Members highlighted that aggrieved allottees have been making payments since 2008 without receiving physical possession of their plots. Although the Housing Secretary indicated that development work could resume following formal Board approval once contractual disputes are resolved, the Committee expressed deep dissatisfaction with the persistent delays. Consequently, the Committee decided to summon the Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to provide a personal briefing during the next meeting regarding all pending investigations, inquiries, and legal clearances associated with the FGEHA joint venture projects.

The Committee also conducted an in-depth review of the Sky Garden Housing Scheme (Green Enclave-II), involving 7,300 kanals in Mauza Kathar and Mauza Mangal, where over 2,455 consent notices have been issued and over PKR 4.21 billion collected from members across various categories. Acknowledging that land issues in Mauza Kathar stand resolved and Mauza Mangal litigation was successfully concluded in favour of FGEHA by the court in April 2026, the Committee examined the ongoing infrastructure development and the proposed timeline targeting block-wise plot handovers between December 2026 and March 2027.

To ensure seamless administrative alignment and clear procedural bottlenecks, the Committee decided to call the Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi for a comprehensive briefing at the upcoming meeting to reach a definitive conclusion.

Examining the status of the EHFPRO Lifestyle Residency Apartments in Sector G-13, Islamabad, the Committee noted that while approximately 70 percent of physical work on the 10-acre site was completed, progress suffered severe disruption due to post-COVID-19 market escalation, financial constraints, and the subsequent demise of the private contractor.

Following the formal termination of the joint venture agreement due to persistent violations, FGEHA has taken over the project and is actively pursuing its revival through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework utilizing commercial inventory to prevent additional financial burdens on allottees.

With the PC-I approved by the Development Working Party and the Expression of Interest (EOI) process currently underway, the Committee directed the Ministry to maintain continuous, step-by-step reporting to the Senate body throughout the selection and execution phases.

Addressing compliance on prior directives, the Committee evaluated implementation reports concerning the PHA-F Residencia Project on Kuchlak Road, Quetta, and the maintenance of Federal Lodges.

The Ministry reported that work on the Quetta project has reached overall 50 percent physical progress, supported by four formal contracts signed with M/s NLC and FK Builders, with structural works completed on 161 grey-structure houses and 20 apartment blocks, alongside the completion of re-tendering for 216 three-bed units.

Additionally, the Committee reviewed measures taken at Federal Lodge-I Quetta to enforce daily sanitation standards and noted the progress achieved in major civil and electrical repair works across Federal Lodges I, II, and III in Islamabad.

On matters regarding the PHA-F Residencia Project on Kurri Road, Islamabad, the Ministry presented updates on joint consultative mechanisms established between PHAF management and the Officers Residencia Management Committee to resolve water supply, drainage, and amenity infrastructure challenges, while affirming that allottees executing unauthorized structural modifications must seek formal regularization directly from the Capital Development Authority.

The meeting was attended by the Senators Hidayat Ullah khan, Muhammad Aslam Abro, Abdul Shakoor khan, Khalida Ateeb, Husna Bano, Naseema Ehsan, Jan Muhammad, Saifullah Abro along with Secretary Housing and Senior officials.

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday welcomed Kuwait’s recent ratification of the Pakistan-Kuwait Defence Cooperation Agreement, signed in June 2023 and noted that the Agreement marks an important milestone in bilateral defence relations that will further strengthen institutional linkages between the Armed Forces of the two countries while enhancing defence cooperation.

The deputy prime minister and foreign minister received Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during his official visit to Pakistan, a DPM’s Office news release said.

During the meeting, the two Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the strong and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Kuwait, rooted in shared history, common values, and mutual respect. They reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and discussed ways to further expand and deepen cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, energy, information technology, agriculture, and economic cooperation.

The DPM/FM underscored the importance of sustained high-level exchanges in further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two countries.

The two foreign ministers agreed to establish Joint Working Groups in key areas of bilateral cooperation, including energy, trade and investment, agriculture and food security, information technology, education, and health. They further agreed to meet periodically to review the progress of these Working Groups, ensure effective follow-up on their work, and provide guidance for the timely implementation aimed at advancing bilateral cooperation.

They also exchanged views on recent regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination and cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations.

Foreign Minister Al-Sabah reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors and appreciated the valuable contributions of the Pakistani community to Kuwait’s continued development and prosperity.

The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere and concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the Pakistan-Kuwait partnership across areas of mutual interest.

Islamabad: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has commended the security forces for executing highly successful, intelligence-based operations against Indian-sponsored terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, neutralizing 32 militants and decisively thwarting their hostile designs.

Praising the exemplary valor and unmatched professional capabilities of the troops, Interior Minister Naqvi emphasized that the remarkable achievements of the security forces in restoring enduring peace to the two provinces are profoundly commendable.

He stated that the entire nation stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its defenders in the unwavering mission to completely eradicate the menace of militant proxy networks.

Reaffirming the state’s resolute stance, the Interior Minister declared that fleeing terrorists associated with these hostile networks will find no place to hide as operations continue to hunt down remaining threats.

Islamabad: The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Secretariat called on Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and briefed him on key regional initiatives aimed at strengthening trade, connectivity, investment and economic integration among CAREC member countries.

During the meeting, the delegation informed the Minister that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is expected to approve a Border Connectivity and Logistics Upgrade Facility in the coming weeks to support the modernization of Pakistan’s border infrastructure and enhance regional trade and connectivity, said a release issued here on Wednesday.

The delegation also informed the Minister that Pakistan remains an active participant in implementing the Regional Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership (CARIF) framework, which is entering its operational phase to promote trade facilitation, logistics cooperation and investment across the CAREC region.

The meeting reviewed preparations for the upcoming CAREC Ministerial Conference and Business Forum, to be held in Mongolia on 29-30 September 2026. During the meeting, the CAREC Secretariat formally invited the Federal Minister to participate in the conference, which will bring together ministers, senior government officials, development partners, international investors and private sector representatives from across the CAREC region.

The delegation informed the Minister that the Business Forum will focus on logistics, energy security, critical minerals, digital connectivity, investment opportunities and private sector collaboration.

It also shared plans to establish a Regional Chambers Alliance to strengthen business-to-business cooperation among Chambers of Commerce and Industry across the CAREC region with support from the Asian Development Bank.

The CAREC Secretariat also briefed the Minister on the ADB-supported Digital Corridor Study involving Pakistan and other CAREC member countries to enhance regional digital connectivity.

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan appreciated the continued support of CAREC and the Asian Development Bank in promoting regional economic integration and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening regional trade, connectivity and investment cooperation.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf on Wednesday unveiled Pakistan’s first four-year Hajj Policy (2027-2030), aimed at ensuring transparent and digital governance, accountability, merit and improved logistical facilities for pilgrims.

‘This is not only a policy but the beginning of fundamental and lasting reforms in Hajj arrangements,’ the minister said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.

He announced that, for the first time, pilgrims will be able to choose their preferred Hajj year in advance under a four-year Hajj registration and waiting list system.

The minister said three to four-year contracts could be signed for accommodation, transport, catering, air travel and cargo services, which would improve the quality of facilities while reducing costs.

Sardar Yousuf said that all stages of the Hajj process-from registration to grievance redressal and post-Hajj review-would be carried out through a completely digital system.

Sharing details of the quota system, he said the quota for the government and private Hajj schemes would remain at 60 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively, from 2027 to 2030, unless revised by the federal cabinet.

He said the government would gradually transition to the role of regulator, monitor and quality assurer, rather than directly managing Hajj arrangements, while the involvement of the private sector would increase.

The minister said pilgrims would be able to register for the Hajj year of their choice by depositing an estimated 10 per cent of the Hajj expenses at the time of registration.

Regarding the selection process, he said pilgrims would be selected on a ‘first come, first served’ basis through a fully transparent digital waiting list.

He added that multiple Hajj packages of varying durations would be introduced under the Government Hajj Scheme, enabling pilgrims to choose according to their needs and convenience.

Sardar Yousuf said all procurement and contracts would be awarded transparently in accordance with government procurement rules in both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

He further said that if any amount remained from the Hajj dues collected after the completion of Hajj operations, it would be refunded to the pilgrims.

The minister said both public and private Hajj arrangements would be reviewed impartially by an independent third party to further improve the quality of services.

He added that the registration and monitoring of private Hajj companies would be based on their performance and compliance with prescribed service standards rather than quota allocation alone.

Sardar Yousuf announced that all private Hajj companies would be required to use the Private Hajj Management Portal (PHMP), through which bookings, payments, monitoring and auditing would be conducted entirely through digital means.

He noted that all Hajj payments would be made only through government-designated banking channels to ensure transparency and financial security.

Sharing details of the complaint mechanism, the minister said a modern digital complaint management system, effective monitoring and a formal appeals process were being introduced to ensure the prompt resolution of pilgrims’ complaints.

He also said that a comprehensive merit-based criterion would be formulated by the Cabinet Committee for the selection of Hajj assistants to ensure that the most qualified individuals were appointed.

The minister said the training of Hajj pilgrims would be further enhanced and would include awareness of Hajj rituals, mobile applications, health, emergency management and Saudi laws.

He added that the Hajj Protector Scheme would continue under the new policy, providing financial assistance in cases of death, accidents or emergency evacuation during Hajj.

Highlighting emergency preparedness, Sardar Yousuf said an emergency management system and a dedicated emergency response team would be established to deal effectively with any emergencies.

He said the new Hajj Policy had been aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and international standards to ensure transparency, digital governance, accountability and the provision of the best possible facilities to pilgrims.

Sardar Muhammad Yousuf expressed special gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying the new Hajj Policy had been formulated under his guidance and support.

He also commended the National IT Board, the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and their teams, saying they had worked tirelessly to lay the foundation of a modern, transparent and efficient Hajj management system.

Expressing confidence in the new policy, the minister said the four-year framework would not only facilitate better planning for the coming years but would also strengthen the confidence of millions of pilgrims by bringing Pakistan’s Hajj arrangements in line with global standards.

Islamabad: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has paid glowing tribute to DSP Murid Bugti, who embraced martyrdom while proceeding on an operational mission in the Rakhni area of Barkhan, describing his sacrifice as a symbol of extraordinary courage, unwavering devotion to duty, and selfless service to the nation.

In a statement, the Interior Minister said that DSP Murid Bugti attained the highest honor of martyrdom while carrying out his professional responsibilities in the line of duty. He praised the fallen police officer as an enduring example of bravery, commitment, and sacrifice, adding that his services would be remembered with pride and respect.

Mohsin Naqvi said the courageous officer stood at the forefront of efforts to maintain peace in Barkhan and that his dedication to protecting the lives of citizens reflected the finest traditions of the Balochistan Police. He remarked that the nation salutes the supreme sacrifice of DSP Murid Bugti, whose courage has become a source of inspiration for law enforcement personnel across the country.

The Interior Minister emphasized that the people of Pakistan would always remember the sacrifice made by the brave son of the Balochistan Police in the fight for lasting peace and security.

Expressing his heartfelt condolences, Mohsin Naqvi extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family of the martyred officer and prayed for strength and patience for them in bearing this irreparable loss.