90pc buildings non-compliant with approved structures, Senate panel told

ISLAMABAD: It was revealed during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works that approximately 90% of buildings in Pakistan do not conform to approved structures.

The committee highlighted that while the Building Code of Pakistan 2022 provides a framework for safe, sustainable and environmentally responsible construction, it lacks the authority to approve building plans or monitor construction; these powers lie with local departments.

The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works held its meeting under the chairmanship of Senator Nasir Mehmood at the Parliament House on Tuesday.

The committee emphasized the need for the building code to reflect geographic needs and preserve national heritage and it directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to provide a briefing on building construction approvals.

The committee also reviewed the jurisdiction, mechanisms and processes for implementing the Building Code of Pakistan 2021, including the Seismic Provisions of 2007 and environmental protection measures nationwide.

It was noted that the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) oversees the building code, with notifications issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology. The code establishes minimum standards for building safety, structural integrity and sustainability. Provinces can modify specific provisions to address regional characteristics, such as seismic risks and climate conditions.

Local planning departments evaluate submitted plans for compliance with structural and environmental standards, often involving expert consultants.

Senator Bilal Ahmed raised concern that the involvement of consultants and contractors could lead to fraud, stressing the need for clearly defined authorisations.

In another agenda item, the committee reviewed the status of efforts to reclaim Pakistan Public Works Department (PWD) land at Kashmir Point, Murree, which has been illegally occupied by the district administration. The PWD reported that a meeting with the additional deputy commissioner (revenue) revealed that the land was in the possession of PWD, but it requires demarcation for resolution. The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works was informed that legal actions regarding claims by the heirs of land’s original owner are being vigorously pursued.

Chairman Nasir Mehmood directed the PWD to expedite the demarcation process and transfer possession of the Constatia Lodge to the ministry, as well as resolve all related issues. The committee also received a detailed presentation on the Skyline Apartments project, the new Islamabad airport and Sky Garden housing scheme, including updates on the recovery of mobilisation advances from a defunct contractor. The Skyline Apartments project is planned on 225 kanals of land, consisting of 30 blocks and 3,945 apartments. The Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) and joint venture partners hold respective shares of 90% and 10%. The total project cost is estimated at Rs27.61 billion, with construction cost at Rs23.78 billion. “Work has been stalled since April 2023 due to unprecedented price hike, leading to the contractor’s default,” it was revealed. Committees have been formed to revive the project and reassess pricing. A briefing on the Sky Garden housing scheme indicated that a land-sharing joint venture agreement was signed between FGEHA and M/S Commoners Sky Garden (CSG) for approximately 11,000 kanals of land. The project, initiated in 2019, was halted due to a NAB inquiry into land encroachment. Following advocacy from FGEHA, the NAB issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC), allowing development to proceed on a clear 1,986 kanals of land in Mouza Karthar for the first phase. The committee also discussed the mobilisation advance of Rs716,243,408 owed to M/S HRK, of which Rs14,380,721 have been recovered in interim payment certificates, leaving a net outstanding balance of Rs701,862,687. The contractor’s assets total Rs637,495,606. Regarding actions taken by FGEHA, it was reported that the case has been referred to the FIA. Liquidation of the performance security bond is underway with United Insurance Company Limited (UICL), and legal action is being initiated against UICL.

The committee directed the deputy commissioner of Murree and the commissioner of Rawalpindi to provide updates on the matter.