ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) opposed a proposed bill in the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, even though the legislation was actually meant to strengthen the authority’s legal powers over the Islamabad Metro Bus Service.
The committee discussed the “Islamabad Metro Bus Service Bill 2026,” moved by Senator Sarmad Ali. During the meeting, the CDA objected to the bill, saying it already had a separate and dedicated wing to manage public transport in Islamabad and that there was no need for a separate regulatory authority.
However, Senator Sarmad Ali tried to explain that the bill was not meant to create a new authority. Instead, he said, the purpose of the proposed law was to give legal backing and clear powers to the CDA for running the Metro Bus system.
According to the proposed bill, the aim is to create a proper legal framework for the operation, maintenance and expansion of the Metro Bus Service in Islamabad. The bill also seeks to ensure continuity, financial transparency and efficient service delivery.
It also includes a welfare measure under which children under 12 years of age, students of recognised educational institutions and senior citizens aged 60 and above would be allowed to travel free of cost on the Metro Bus.
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The statement of objects and reasons of the bill says that the Islamabad Metro Bus Service is currently being run under administrative arrangements and there is no specific law to regulate its management, financing and operations. It recommends giving the CDA clear legal authority to plan, operate and maintain the service.
During the meeting, both the Ministry of Interior and the CDA told the committee that they would welcome any useful suggestions for improvement. The Ministry of Law and Justice also informed the committee that discussions were already underway to either amend the existing legal framework or prepare a new one.
After discussion, committee chairman Faisal Saleem Rehman postponed further debate on the bill. He directed the mover of the bill, the CDA, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Law and Justice to hold consultations and develop a consensus before the next meeting.
Interestingly, the bill had also come under discussion in the last three committee meetings, but the CDA had not opposed it earlier.
The committee also discussed “The Islamabad Real Estate (Regulation and Development) (Amendment) Bill, 2026,” moved by Senator Mohsin Aziz of PTI. Members expressed concern over delays in the matter despite the bill having already been passed by both Houses of Parliament.
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The minister of state for interior told the committee that the government was reviewing the issue to avoid any overlap between different laws. He said a meeting under the chairmanship of the minister for law and justice had also been scheduled to discuss the matter.
The committee chairman directed the Ministry of Interior to resolve the issue as soon as possible and deferred further discussion.
According to the statement of objects and reasons of the bill, some procedural ambiguities in the existing law could create problems, especially if the office of the Mayor of Islamabad becomes vacant or if the secretary of the relevant ministry is unable to attend meetings of the selection committee.
It said such situations could lead to legal questions over the validity of decisions taken by the committee and could affect the smooth working of the regulatory system and delay development work in Islamabad.
The proposed amendments aim to remove this confusion by making it clear that if the local government is dissolved and the mayor’s office remains vacant, the selection committee can continue functioning with its remaining members without affecting the legality of its decisions.
The committee also reviewed issues related to the Parliament Lodges. Members raised serious concerns over poor security arrangements, unhygienic conditions, shortage of janitorial services and lack of support staff.
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They said the Parliament Lodges were in a dilapidated condition and stressed the need to remove illegal occupants and improve security measures.
The committee also questioned why proper maintenance had not been ensured despite significant budget allocations.
CDA officials briefed the committee about the existing problems and possible solutions.
The committee was informed that the construction of new Parliament Lodges was progressing on schedule and was expected to be completed by July 2026.
Chairman Faisal Saleem Rehman directed the CDA to submit a detailed report along with recommendations in the next meeting regarding the maintenance and security of the Parliament Lodges.
He also recommended strict action against defaulters and illegal occupants of the MNAs’ Hostel and Parliament Lodges.
