NA Body Express Frustration Over CDA’s 18-Month Project Delays

News Desk

Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control of the National Assembly members on Wednesday expressed concern over delays in development projects under the Capital Development Authority (CDA), specifically roads for which tenders were issued more than 18 months ago.

In response, the CDA Chairman informed the Committee that funding has now been allocated, and projects nearing 80 percent completion will be finalized. Additionally, two road projects in each Islamabad constituency are expected to be completed soon.

The committee meeting, chaired by Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, MNA, addressed a range of pressing issues, including delayed development projects, unregistered vehicles, arms licensing, human trafficking, and legislative matters.

The Committee began by confirming the minutes of its previous meeting held on February 28, 2025, and welcomed the Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control on his first appearance before the Committee. A comprehensive review of the implementation status of previous recommendations was conducted.Counter-Terrorism Measures

The Committee directed the Secretary, Ministry of Interior, and the CDA Chairman to engage with vehicle dealers to resolve issues surrounding unregistered vehicles. Emphasizing national security concerns, the Minister stated that unregistered vehicles will not be permitted on roads as part of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts. A detailed report is to be submitted in the next meeting.

Legislative Review

The Committee deliberated on several government bills:

• Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Section 462O) — Deferred to the next meeting.
• Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Section 14A) — Recommended for passage.
• Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill, 2024 — Approved with three amendments.
• Extradition (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Amendment to Section 7) — Recommended for passage after detailed scrutiny.

Committee members were asked to forward further recommendations to Mr. Jam Muhammad Aslam, Additional Draftsman, Ministry of Law and Justice, with coordination led by Khawaja Izhar Ul Hassan, MNA.

Housing, Land, Construction Issues

A detailed briefing was provided on land issues concerning the National Assembly Employees Cooperative Housing Society (NAECHS). The Committee also discussed the construction of wedding halls in Malir (NA-230), Karachi, and recommended summoning officials from the Pakistan Coast Guards and the Government of Sindh in the next session.

The Committee further instructed the Chief Commissioner, Islamabad, to address the long-pending issues faced by members of the NAECHS and the Senate Employees Housing Society and to submit a report at the next meeting.

Arms Licensing

The Minister clarified the current arms licensing policy: one Prohibited Bore (PB) license per parliamentarian and Non-Prohibited Bore (NPB) licenses for close associates. Special permissions for issuing additional NPB licenses in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are being sought from the Prime Minister. Arms licenses for businessmen and taxpayers are also under review.

Crackdown on Human Trafficking

Condemning human trafficking, the Minister reported that over 200 offenders have been arrested, and several FIA officials have been dismissed. Coordination with Saudi Arabia and other nations has led to the cancellation of fake passports. A full report will be presented in the next meeting, with a dedicated session possibly being convened at FIA Headquarters.

Gaza March FIRs and JMRC Project

Addressing concerns about FIRs filed against participants in Jamaat-e-Islami’s Gaza March, the Minister stated that the government facilitated the march and received appreciation from organizers. However, strict action is being taken against individuals involved in vandalizing police stations.

The Committee also discussed the Prime Minister’s recent announcement regarding the establishment of the Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Center (JMRC) in Sector H-16, Islamabad. The Committee endorsed the initiation of the project as planned.