Govt Halts New FGEHA Housing Schemes Until Ongoing Projects Finish

The federal government has suspended new FGEHA housing schemes until all ongoing projects are completed. Officials announced the decision during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works. The move follows years of delays in several housing projects managed by the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA). Lawmakers said the authority must complete existing developments before launching new ones. They also stressed that thousands of allottees have waited too long for possession of their plots.

Senate Reviews Delayed Housing Projects

The committee, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood, reviewed the progress of several FGEHA projects. Members focused on the long-delayed Green Enclave-I housing scheme in Bhara Kahu. Officials informed the committee that the project has reached only 52% completion since work began in 2009.
Authorities attributed the delays to court cases, NAB investigations, land disputes, bank guarantee issues, the COVID-19 pandemic, rising construction costs and contractual complications. However, Senator Nasir Mehmood questioned why contractors continued working despite repeated delays. Meanwhile, the Housing and Works Secretary confirmed that the ministry would not approve any new housing schemes until existing projects were completed.
Representatives of Green Enclave-I allottees also addressed the committee. They said thousands of plot owners, including many retired government employees, have waited years to receive possession. Therefore, the committee directed contractor Dr. Hafeez Abbasi to appear at the next meeting and explain the continued delays. Members also urged all stakeholders to cooperate and complete the project without further setbacks.

Committee Orders Faster Implementation

The committee also reviewed issues affecting former Pakistan Public Works Department employees after the department’s closure. Officials said most employees had joined other government departments. However, many still await pending salaries and arrears. As a result, the committee instructed all ministries to clear outstanding payments immediately. Senator Naseema Ehsan also urged officials to prioritise widows and families of deceased employees.
In addition, lawmakers criticised the slow pace of lift replacement at the Shaheed-i-Millat Secretariat and ordered officials to complete the work within the agreed timeline. The committee also reviewed the Model Jail project. CDA officials said the first phase is nearing completion, while the proposal for the second phase has already been submitted. However, lawmakers called for faster implementation and scheduled a site visit on August 22 to assess progress.