Senate Panel Orders CDA to Close Illegal Hostels In Islamabad

The Senate Standing Committee on Interior has instructed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to address illegal hostels operating within residential areas of Islamabad. Committee Chairman Senator Dilawar Khan urged the immediate closure of hostels that contravene regulations. The CDA had earlier assured the committee of taking necessary action.

However, the CDA Chairman informed that the issue of illegal hostels is currently under consideration in the Islamabad High Court. He promised to adhere to the court's directives. The authority aims to implement a 100 percent solution to the problem, contingent on the outcome of the court proceedings.

The Senate committee also scrutinized Islamabad's water shortage issue. The CDA Chairman stated that the city requires approximately 250 million gallons of water daily, but currently experiences a shortfall of about 125 million gallons. The authority receives around 5 million gallons of water daily from Rawal Dam and is engaged in multiple dam projects to augment water availability.

Completion of the Shahdara Dam is expected to increase the water supply by 10 million gallons per day. A new water supply line is also being constructed from Simly Dam, which currently provides around 100 million gallons of water daily to Islamabad. The CDA has also requested the Punjab government to boost Islamabad's share of water from Khanpur Dam.

Concerns were raised over water availability for firefighting at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Senator Abid Sher Ali expressed worry over water scarcity during firefighting operations at PIMS. The committee chairman inquired about the last inspection for electrical and fire safety at PIMS and when the latest safety certificate was issued. The CDA Chairman mentioned that the last audit of PIMS was conducted in September 2025, and requested the committee to review the audit report.

Additionally, the meeting addressed issues related to sewage entering Rawal Dam. The CDA Chairman confirmed that sewage was leaking from three to four locations, including the Bani Gala area. He further noted that three to four buildings had been constructed in front of the E 11 nullah, the largest drain in the area.