Senate body expresses concern over delay in Islamabad Central Jail

ISLAMABAD -UNS: Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood , convened to review critical issues ranging from land encroachments to stalled infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on the long-delayed Islamabad Central Jail.

Opening the session, Senator Nasir reaffirmed his commitment to efficient leadership, stating, “I want to do a good job in the position I am in — I never waste time. I cannot leave the squatters.”

The Committee expressed serious concern over the protracted issue of land grabbing, especially in Murree. “There has been a land grab issue in Murree for forty years,” lamented the Chairman, as members stressed that encroachment remains a persistent challenge. A member noted, “It is a matter of time — if the squatters are alive, action must be taken against them.”

During the deliberations, Senator Mehmood questioned the absence of the Chief Commissioner Rawalpindi, to which Additional Chief Commissioner informed that the Chief Commissioner was unable to attend due to security duties for Muharram-ul-Haram.

Turning to the Islamabad Central Jail, CDA officials revealed that the project — originally handed to PWD in 2013 but reallocated to CDA in 2024 — faces severe funding gaps. “This year, the budget of one billion was approved, but an additional Rs 2.5 billion is required,” CDA officials informed.

The Chairman pressed for clear timelines, asking, “If the money is received, how long will it take to complete the remaining work?” CDA officials replied, “The remaining 49% will be completed in four months, if funds are made available.” It was disclosed that the Islamabad Central Jail is currently 51% complete and is among fifteen ongoing projects under the Interior Ministry’s purview.

Senator Nasir Mehmood underlined the urgency, remarking, “If the work on Central Jail is not completed this year, the cost will increase. Projects supposed to be completed in three years are being completed in fourteen years — if a project is not completed on time, the responsibility falls on the Finance Division.”

Officials shared that Rs 1.32 billion has been released for FY 2024–25, but Rs 2.5 billion more is essential to prevent further delays.