PM Shehbaz does not believe in extensions, says Tariq Fazal
Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Tuesday asserted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif does not believe in granting service extensions, claiming that only two officers were given extension in the last four years and both of them have now retired.
The remarks came during a charged Senate session marked by sharp exchanges, questions over governance and protests from the opposition benches.
Presiding over the session, Senator Manzoor Ahmed opened proceedings with prayers for the martyrs of terrorism. During the question hour, Senator Saifullah Abro questioned the rationale behind extensions granted to two civil officers. Responding to the questions, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said, “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif does not believe in extensions. Only two officers were given extensions in four years, and both have since retired.”
The minister also emphasized that the provincial quota in the civil service was being implemented “one hundred percent.” Addressing political dynamics, he added, “We have very good relations with the Pakistan People’s Party and are working as a team.”
Waqf Properties and Islamabad Club Under Scrutiny
Senator Anusha Rehman demanded clarification over the Rs1 billion still pending from abandoned Waqf properties, asking when it would be deposited in the national treasury. Minister Chaudhry assured that “the remaining amount has been deposited, and the rest will be deposited soon.”
A heated debate followed over the Islamabad Club’s finances. Senators Faisal Saleem and Saifullah Abro raised concerns about high operational expenses — including Rs 1.4 million spent on tennis balls and Rs4–Rs5 million on fuel within two years.
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry clarified that “Islamabad Club is not given any money from the national treasury.” However, Senator Pervaiz Rashid reminded the House that the club’s land, worth “trillions of rupees,” had been provided by the government. “It is the government’s duty to monitor the club’s accounts,” he said. The exchange turned tense when Chaudhry retorted, “Don’t put your own words in my mouth.”
Housing Authority Scandal Exposed
The Federal Minister for Housing revealed that 10 retired officers continue to occupy government residences in Islamabad, confirming the issue in a written response to Senator Shahadat Awan. The presiding officer subsequently referred the matter to the Standing Committee for detailed examination.
In another disclosure, the minister informed the Senate that four officers of the Federal Government Housing Authority (FGHA) had been suspended for awarding compensation to undeserving victims under the G-14 housing scheme. The suspended officials — Yasir Qayyum (DC/LAC), Tehsildar Muhammad Irfan Dogar, Assistant Muhammad Waqas, and Sub-Engineer Obaid Ishaq — are currently under FIA investigation.
Opposition Protest Disrupts Proceedings
The session was repeatedly disrupted by PTI lawmakers, who continued their protest and sloganeering throughout the proceedings. Despite calls for order, opposition members persisted, creating ruckus by playing dice and interrupting the debate.
The Senate session continued into the afternoon, with several agenda items deferred amid noisy scenes in the House.