A Senate Sub-Committee expressed strong displeasure on Wednesday over the absence of top officials from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) during a crucial meeting, issuing a stern directive to complete the long-delayed 104 Lodges project by the end of the month.

The parliamentary body, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood, voiced serious concern after being informed that the CDA Chairman was abroad and the Member Engineering was unwell. The committee termed their non-appearance a “disregard for parliamentary directions” and mandated that the Minister for Interior, CDA Chairman, and the project contractor must attend the next session.

Taking serious notice of procedural lapses, the panel criticized the non-submission of a Technical Inquiry Report that was due within 21 days. It observed that financial documents submitted by the development authority merely listed expenditures without specifying the nature of the works carried out.

Consequently, the committee instructed that a comprehensive inquiry report, which must include full details of spending on ad-hoc staff and outsourced janitorial services, be presented before the next meeting. Senator Danesh Kumar also registered his dissatisfaction over the late submission of working papers.

The members cautioned that continued non-compliance could lead to parliamentary action against the concerned officers. In response, the Special Secretary of the Ministry of Interior gave assurances that all required information would be provided within a week following an internal review.

Later, during a visit to the project site, the committee ordered the CDA to expedite all pending works. Noting the contractor’s absence, the panel ordered his presence at the subsequent meeting to explain the ongoing delays.

The committee reaffirmed its decision for “Option 2” for the lodges’ design and was assured that a model suite would be completed and presented for review by October 24, 2025. It was also recalled that an agreement exists to hand over the existing Parliament Lodges to the National Assembly once senators shift to the new building.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the sub-committee directed the CDA to ensure strict compliance with all its instructions. The next meeting is scheduled for October 24 to inspect the prototype suite and review the compliance report.