Senate panel calls for early resolution of pension issues of erstwhile Pak PWD employees

ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP):A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works held here on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Senator Nasir Mehmood to review implementation of the Committee’s directions regarding adjustment, salaries and pensionary matters of employees of the erstwhile Pak PWD, in light of the Prime Minister’s directives.

The meeting was attended by Senator Hidayatullah Khan, Senator Khalida Ateeb, Senator Husna Bano, Senator Jan Muhammad and the Federal Minister for Housing and Works.

The Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Works, briefed the Committee on the current status of employees of the dissolved Pak PWD. The Committee was informed that all employees had been adjusted in accordance with the Committee’s directions and were receiving their pay and allowances. The Chairman appreciated the efforts of senior officials of the concerned ministries in ensuring the adjustment of the employees.

The Committee, however, expressed serious concern over the non-payment of pensionary benefits to employees adjusted in the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and have either retired or died during service. The Committee was informed that pension cases were pending due to differing interpretations regarding the status of these employees. It was informed that Finance Division is releasing budget only for their pay and allowances, with no allocation for pensions or medical reimbursement. The committee emphasized that adjustment of Pak PWD employees was made on the directives of Federal Cabinet and should be made with all the parks and privileges.

The Committee was further informed that the Ministry of Interior had prepared a summary for submission to the Prime Minister, as the Finance Division’s opinion is binding on ministries and divisions, while the matter can only be resolved through a decision by the Prime Minister or the Federal Cabinet.

After detailed deliberation, the Committee unanimously resolved that the matter should be addressed on humanitarian grounds and without further delay. Chairman Senator Nasir Mehmood directed the Ministry of Interior to submit the summary to the Prime Minister within three days for a decision.

Reiterating the Committee’s commitment to the welfare of the erstwhile Pak PWD employees, Senator Nasir Mehmood said the Committee stands with the affected employees and will continue pursuing the matter until their legitimate issues are resolved.