Minister for Housing Sardar Talib Nakai said on Sunday that the Task Force (TF) on the proposed construction of around 5,000 flats in Islamabad is working out all formalities and would present its recommendations on the project soon.
“We know the government employees in the federal capital are facing accommodation problem but this project is feasible and planned with the sole objective to facilitate them in the best possible manner,” he told a group of journalists at a reception hosted by Minister of State for Housing Malik Noman Ahmad Langrial.
Nakai said that the TF comprising of representatives of housing, railways and finance departments would discuss all aspects required to execute the project effectively.
The proposed project would be constructed in Sector I-11 on Pakistan Railways (PR) land spread over 50 acres and would receive due compensation from the government. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs. 28 billion.
Nakai said the ministry would also work out a criterion for allotment of flats and ensure their construction according to international standards and affordability.
He added that the housing ministry was fully dedicated and sincere in its efforts to ensure housing facilities for government employees and said that he was thankful to Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf who formed the TF.
While replying to a question regarding delay in completion of different projects, he said the Ministry was facing litigation as most of its projects were not being executed due to stay orders from different courts.
“We know there is a shortage of housing units and in some cases government houses were also illegally occupied but our hands are tied as the cases are in the courts,” he said, while adding that nearly 28,000 housing units were available for government servants against a total demand of 50,000.
He said marketing and engineering wings were also being strengthened for the purpose while a lawyers’ wing would be established to deal with the legal aspect of different projects.
According to him, the ministry was following the General Waiting List (GWL) to grant new allotments as per the directions of the superior court.
When asked to comment on the completion of present democratic government’s tenure, Nakai said that it was a good sign for the development of the country.
He also appreciated the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) with consensus, saying it would definitely help in conducting free and fair elections in the country.
