Security lapses at Parliament Lodges a 'serious threat', says Senate deputy chairman

ISLAMABAD: Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan Nasir on Monday took notice of security lapses and poor facilities at the Parliament Lodges, summoning the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and security officials and ordering a comprehensive report within three days.

Parliament Lodges house members of the National Assembly and Senate in the capital. Security and maintenance issues have been a recurring issue at the lodges.

Chairing an emergency meeting at Parliament House, Nasir expressed displeasure over the unauthorised entry of unrelated persons in the Parliament Lodges and termed the security flaws a “serious threat”.

He directed authorities to submit details of all complaints received at the lodges and the subsequent action taken.

The deputy chairman also raised questions over delays in renovation and repair work, and expressed dismay at the poor condition of lifts.

Citing his own experience of getting stuck in a lift, he called such incidents an “administrative failure”.

Lack of progress despite repeated complaints by senators was termed negligence.

Nasir also sought the complete allotment record of Parliament Lodges. He demanded details, cost breakdown, and reasons for the delay in the project for 104 new blocks. Nasir expressed regret over the hold-up and directed immediate action.

Describing the hygiene situation at the lodges as “deplorable”, the deputy chairman noted that there was an alarming number of rats. He also took note of a social media video showing the entry of an unrelated woman into the lodge and ordered an inquiry into the matter.

“No compromise is acceptable on the security of residents,” Nasir said, ordering all repair work to be completed immediately and complaints redressed.

Senators at the meeting expressed reservations over the administration’s inattention to their complaints.