Senate deputy chairman seeks report on Parliament Lodges security and maintenance lapses

ISLAMABAD: Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan Nasir on Monday took notice of security shortcomings and inadequate facilities at the Parliament Lodges, calling the situation a serious concern and directing the relevant authorities to submit a detailed report within three days.

The Parliament Lodges in Islamabad accommodate members of the National Assembly and Senate. According to the developments discussed at an emergency meeting chaired by Nasir at Parliament House, issues related to security and upkeep have repeatedly surfaced at the residential complex.

During the meeting, the deputy chairman summoned officials of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) as well as security authorities. He voiced displeasure over the entry of unauthorised individuals into the lodges and described the security weaknesses as a serious threat.

Nasir instructed the authorities to provide complete details of all complaints received regarding the lodges, along with information on what action had been taken in response. He also questioned the delay in renovation and repair work and expressed concern over the condition of the lifts.

Referring to his own experience, Nasir said he had been trapped in a lift and termed such incidents an administrative failure. He also described the lack of progress despite repeated complaints by senators as negligence.

The deputy chairman further sought the full allotment record of the Parliament Lodges. He asked for details of the project involving 104 new blocks, including its cost breakdown and the reasons behind the delay. Expressing regret over the hold-up, he directed that immediate steps be taken.

Concerns over hygiene and access control

Nasir also raised alarm over sanitary conditions at the lodges, describing the hygiene situation as deplorable and noting what he said was an alarming number of rats on the premises.

He additionally took notice of a social media video that showed the entry of an unrelated woman into the lodges and ordered an inquiry into the matter.

“No compromise is acceptable on the security of residents,” Nasir said.

He ordered that all repair work be completed without delay and that complaints be addressed.

Senators who attended the meeting also expressed reservations over what they described as the administration’s lack of attention to their complaints.

The meeting focused on both security management and living conditions at the lodges, with the deputy chairman seeking accountability from the concerned departments over recurring complaints and pending works.