A meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Housing and Works, chaired by Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, was postponed on Monday after the housing minister and secretary failed to attend, drawing strong criticism from committee members.
The committee was scheduled to consider the Islamabad Capital Territory Bill, but members expressed serious concern over what they described as a lack of seriousness by the relevant ministry. Committee members said the bill was of major importance, yet neither the minister nor the secretary appeared to brief the committee.
Chairman Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said meaningful discussion was not possible in the absence of the secretary. He pointed out that for the past two meetings, neither the minister nor the secretary had attended the proceedings. While he said he did not doubt their intentions, he described the repeated absence as worrying.
Raising concerns over the contents of the bill, the chairman noted that it included provisions related to insurance, which he said he could not agree with as a Muslim. He questioned who would be responsible for such clauses and where accountability would lie.
During the meeting, members suggested staging a strong protest and stressed that the presence of both the minister and the secretary should be ensured in the next session.
Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri emphasised that their attendance in the next meeting was essential to facilitate progress on the bill.
Committee member Abrar Ahmed said that the presence of responsible officers was necessary to move matters forward. The chairman added that the committee had made time to ensure the early passage of the bill, but the delay was not due to the committee; rather, it stemmed from the lack of seriousness shown by the concerned minister.
Due to the absence of the minister and secretary, the meeting was adjourned without any discussion on the Islamabad Capital Territory Bill.
