Non-implementation of building codes: Senate panel dissatisfied with performance of CDA, IESCO and SNGPL

Senate Special Committee on Non-implementation of Building Codes and Civic Regulations has expressed dissatisfaction over performance of CDA, IESCO and SNGPL and said their criminal negligence is causing growth of illegal housing projects and high-rise buildings.
The special committee meeting was chaired by Senator Muhammad Javed Abbasi who lambasted CDA, IESCO, SNGPL and other relevant departments for neglecting the rules and giving leverage towards significant growth of illegal housing projects and other high-rise buildings. The committee disappointedly termed it a criminal negligence as the rules are being flouted openly and no concrete action has been taken to completely ban such constructions.
During the committee meeting, the officials of CDA informed the members that nearly 84 buildings were being constructed illegally in Sector E-11 out of which 41 have been sealed. They said that no NOC has been acquired from the CDA for these constructions. Similarly, in Sector H-13, the CDA has issued notices to the people involved in illegal constructions.
The committee was told that almost 25 buildings were being illegal constructed and correspondence has been made with the IESCO, SNGPL and others for not approving the utility services since the constructions were illegal. It was informed that cabinet back in 2004 had decided that no connection would be approved without an NOC from the CDA.
The chief executive officer (CEO) IESCO briefing the committee said that as per the regulations of NEPRA, no NOC from CDA/RDA is required for provision of new electricity connection. He, however, said that five housing societies in Sector E-11 area were provided connections on the layout plan approved by the CDA.
It was informed that no connections have been approved now owing to the restrictions imposed by the CDA. In his written reply, the CEO IESCO said that after construction of buildings, pressure is exerted from different forums and applicants for provisions of electricity connections being their fundamental right.
The committee sought details of electricity and gas connections issued by IESCO and SNGPL without any NOC from the CDA and called upon all the institutions to work in coherence and chalk out a mechanism for monitoring the illegal constructions in the ICT area. The chairman committee directed the departments to improve coordination and streamline the affairs for fairness and transparency.
The committee heard point of views of the representatives of the FIA and SECP on the matter. It also sought details from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) on cases referred to them by the CDA for taking action.