In a shocking revelation during a high-level meeting of the Standing Committee on House and Library, it was disclosed that 10 out of 40 CCTV cameras are non-functional, while the remaining 30 functional cameras are old and outdated, sparking serious concerns over the security of Parliamentarians’ residences.
Chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, the meeting exposed glaring lapses in infrastructure and security. Lawmakers were reportedly “deeply concerned” about the slow pace of development and the alarming neglect in maintaining basic safety standards.
Even more concerning is the fact that only six Islamabad Police personnel are currently deployed to secure the entire Parliament Lodges complex, a number deemed grossly inadequate by members of the committee.
“This is not just a maintenance issue. It’s a matter of national security,” remarked one member, visibly frustrated by the complacency shown by the concerned departments.
Officials from the Capital Development Authority (CDA), while acknowledging the gaps, assured the committee that all non-functional cameras would be restored within three months. However, lawmakers demanded immediate action, citing the growing threats and risks involved.
Additional security recommendations included:
- Installation of more CCTV cameras across Parliament Lodges and the MNAs’ Hostel.
- Expansion of parking facilities to ease congestion.
- Immediate resolution of recurring maintenance problems such as seepage, termite infestations, and structural deterioration.
Despite the billions spent on Parliament Lodges over the years, the complex continues to face persistent problems, a situation lawmakers now call “unacceptable.”