Senate panel takes up illegal land occupation of Pak PWD

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works took up the issue of illegal land occupation of Pak PWD by the TMA Murree (Punjab Government) and the committee was informed that civil courts were hearing multiple cases on possession of Constantia Lodge in Murree.

Of the 36-kanal project, 6.8 kanals are under the control of the Ministry of Housing and Works, while 18 kanals are occupied by TMA Murree, whereas, 12 Kanal land is held by Faujdar Khan (Chowkidar) and his children.

The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works was presided over by its Chairman Senator Nasir Mehmood at the Parliament House on Wednesday in which Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) provided key updates on sector progress, auction details and legal matters

The officials maintained that legal proceedings have been initiated to address this matter. They told the committee that the prime minister had been informed who directed the resolution of litigation expeditiously.

The Director General of Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) provided a progress update on sectors F-12 and G-12. He said an award of 7.23 million per kanal for these sectors was announced on April 23, 2023. Additionally, he highlighted complications with the landowners of sectors F-14 and F-15. He mentioned that weekly hearings are being held consecutively, and Sector F-12 will be launched as soon as the judgment of Supreme Court is finalized. The progress and complications in the development of sectors G-13 and G-14 were also discussed in detail.

The committee members further discussed the details of the auction of commercial plots held on August 7, 2024. It was reported that during its 31st meeting on January 31, 2024, the Executive Board of FGEHA approved a proposal to divide a plot from the Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation project. Following the Executive Board’s decision, the FGEHA divided this 13-kanal project on January 11, 2024, into three plots to maximize revenue potential while considering current market dynamics.

The DG of the FGEHA pointed out that the slow progress of the project has led to a lack of investor interest, despite efforts such as below-the-line advertising. He also reported that heavy taxation may be a possible cause of the auction’s failure, mentioning that after July 8, the increase in taxes from 43pc to 63pc further contributed to hesitation among potential investors.

The Chairman, Senator Nasir Mehmood, highlighted the significant financial losses incurred without achieving any tangible results.

He urged to formulate a pragmatic strategy to move forward and overcome stagnation. Senator Khalida Ateeb also pointed out that despite lavish advertising efforts, no corresponding outcomes have been realized.

The meeting also discussed an update on the Pak PWD land illegally occupied by the TMA Murree (Punjab Government). The officials maintained that legal proceedings have been initiated to address this matter.

The committee members also discussed a question raised by Senator Raja Nasir regarding the laws and rules for the separate allocation of Imambargahs in the sectors developed by FGEHA. The officials reported that religious sanctity is maintained during the allocation process.