A parliamentary committee has raised serious concerns over security and maintenance issues at Pakistan’s Parliament Lodges, urging swift action to improve facilities and fortify safety for lawmakers and staff. The Standing Committee on House and Library, chaired by National Assembly Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, focused on both ongoing construction projects and operational challenges during its latest meeting.
The committee received a detailed update on the construction of 104 new family suites and 400 servant quarters at the Parliament Lodges. While recognizing the efforts underway, members expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress in resolving longstanding problems at the facility. They stressed the urgent need to expand available parking and complete all development projects on schedule.
Security at the Parliament Lodges came under special scrutiny. The committee highlighted significant shortcomings in surveillance, revealing that only 30 out of 40 installed CCTV cameras are currently in working order. The Capital Development Authority assured committee members that repairs would be completed within three months to ensure all cameras are fully operational. Additionally, committee members criticized the limited deployment of law enforcement, noting that only six Islamabad Police officers are presently assigned to the Lodges. They called for a substantial increase in security personnel to better protect parliamentary residents and their staff.
Maintenance problems also featured prominently in the committee’s discussions. Persistent issues such as water seepage, termite infestations, and other structural faults were flagged for immediate attention, with recommendations for a comprehensive approach to property upkeep.
The meeting brought together Members of the National Assembly Ijaz Hussain Jakhrani, Muhammad Moin Aamer Pirzada, and Aliyah Kamran, alongside senior officials from the Capital Development Authority, Islamabad Police, and Ministry of Finance. The committee’s recommendations aim to create a safer, more comfortable environment for lawmakers and their families living within the Parliament Lodges.
