ISLAMABAD: The Senate Functional Committee on Government Assurances has expressed displeasure over the absence of interior minister and Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman during a discussion on failure to hand over plots in Sector I-12, Islamabad — despite allottees having cleared their dues — and the status of development work on PHA apartments.
The meeting, held under the chairmanship of Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan, reviewed the implementation status of assurances given by the federal government during Senate proceedings.
Senator Danesh Kumar highlighted the persistent non-attendance of CDA chairman and raised concerns over the late submission of working papers and incomplete information.
The committee chairman directed the Ministry of Interior to ensure the CDA chairman’s presence in the next meeting and deferred the agenda due to his absence and lack of complete information.
The forum was also briefed on the construction of a cancer hospital at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, and informed that 80 percent of the construction work is complete, while the installation of machinery would require another six to nine months.
The hospital is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2027.
Regarding the establishment of a kidney transplant unit at PIMS, the Ministry of National Health Services reported that major recruitment of doctors and staff has been completed through the Federal Public Service Commission.
The committee urged expediting the remaining process and directed the submission of a compliance report, including the date the unit will become fully functional.
Expressing satisfaction with the initiative, the chairman directed that half-yearly progress reports be submitted regularly.
The legislators panel also addressed the digital and online measures adopted by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to facilitate the registration of foreign-qualified doctors, along with the implementation of directions from a previous meeting.
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination informed the parliamentarians that the registration process was now fully digitised and eliminates human interaction, in compliance with the committee’s instructions. The chairman disposed of the matter, appreciating the ministry’s efforts.
The committee also deliberated on the regular disruption of 4G data and voice call services in Balochistan due to security measures. While acknowledging the necessity of such steps, the chairman urged that data and call packages be extended during prolonged outages. The Ministry of IT & Telecom assured that instructions have already been issued to telecom operators in this regard.
Senator Kamran Murtaza questioned the legal framework governing such network shutdowns. The chairman directed the ministry to submit a compliance report on package extensions and clarify the legal provisions under which networks are disrupted.
Taking up the issue of plot allotment in Green Enclave, Bhara Kahu Phase-I, Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA), the committee expressed concern over the slow pace of the possession process.
It was noted that government employees invest their hopes and savings in such schemes, making timely completion essential. The panel was informed that an FGEHA Board meeting is scheduled for the following day to finalise the matters, including approval of a policy ensuring additional costs are not passed on to allottees. The panel chairman directed the FGEHA to submit a report along with a completion timeline in the next meeting.
The chairman disposed of the matter related to the Gwadar airport, as it has become functional and a detailed report has been submitted. The forum also discussed increased airfares for Quetta and emphasized that subsidising flight operations for less-privileged areas has been a long-standing practice. The chairman urged aviation authorities to examine and resolve the issue.
Furthermore, the committee considered the matter of outsourcing airport services at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports. It was informed that although the government intends to proceed with outsourcing, no active process is currently underway. Consequently, the chairman disposed of the matter.
