FGEHA provides key updates on sector progress, auction details & legal matters

Islamabad, 15 August 2024: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works presided over by Senator Nasir Mehmood convened today at Parliament House. 

The meeting was attended by Senator Muhammad Aslam Abro,  Senator Khalida Ateeb,  Senator Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, Senator Husna Bano,  Senator Hadiyatullah Khan, Senator Saifullah Abro,  Senator Raja Nasir Abbas,  Minister of Housing and Works (MOHW), Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Works (MOHW), The Director General of Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA), and senior officials from the Ministry of Housing and Works and Federal Government Employees Housing Authority. 

The Director General of the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) provided a progress update on Sectors F-12 and G-12. He informed that 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 the 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 the FGEHA approved a proposal to divide a plot from the Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation (EHFPRO) project. Following the Executive Board’s decision on January 11, 2024, the FGEHA divided this 13-kanal project into three plots to maximize revenue potential while considering current market dynamics.

The Director General 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 43% to 63% further contributed to hesitation among potential investors. The officials briefed the committee on the execution of the project’s advertisements, mentioning that the first advertisement was released on July 5, 2024, followed by a series of other advertisements. 

The Chairman of the Committee highlighted the significant financial losses incurred without achieving any tangible results. Senator Khalida Ateeb also pointed out that despite lavish advertising efforts, no corresponding outcomes have been realized. Chairman, Senator Nasir Mehmood urged to formulate a pragmatic strategy to move forward and overcome this stagnation.

Furthermore, an update on the Pak PWD land illegally occupied by the TMA Murree (Punjab Government) was also discussed. The officials briefed that there were multiple cases in civil courts regarding the possession of Constantia Lodge in Murree. Of the 36-kanal project, 6.8  kanals are under the control of the Ministry, while 18 kanals are occupied by TMA Murree.

 Whereas, 12 Kanal land is held by Faujdar Khan (Chowkidar) and his children.  The officials maintained that legal proceedings have been initiated to address this matter. It was further added that the issue has been brought to the Prime Minister’s attention, who has directed to resolve the litigation in an expeditious manner.

In addition, Senator Saifullah Abro inquired about the list of officers on deputation and asked whether any action had been taken against the miscreants. The Minister of Housing and Works (MOHW) responded that the action is being taken and the list will be shared with the Committee. 

The Committee members also discussed a question raised by Senator Raja Nasir regarding the laws and rules for the separate allocation of Imam Bargahs in the sectors developed by FGEHA. The officials reported that religious sanctity is maintained during the allocation process. The Chairman of the Committee directed that laws and rules be formulated to allocate separate religious places so that the sanctity of all religious communities be maintained.