Senate committee asks Interior Ministry to send pension summary to Prime Minister within three days and resolve pending benefits on humanitarian grounds.
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works has directed the Ministry of Interior to urgently resolve pensionary issues faced by employees of the erstwhile Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD), particularly those adjusted in the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
The committee, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood, reviewed implementation of its earlier directions regarding the adjustment, salaries and pensionary matters of employees of the dissolved 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.
Pak PWD employees adjusted, salaries being paid
The Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Works briefed the committee on the current status of employees of the dissolved department.
The committee was informed that all employees had been adjusted in accordance with its directions and were receiving their salaries and allowances.
The committee chairman appreciated the efforts of senior officials from the relevant ministries in ensuring the adjustment of the employees.
However, the committee expressed serious concern over the non-payment of pensionary benefits to former Pak PWD employees who were adjusted in the CDA and subsequently retired or died during service.
Pension cases remain pending
Officials told the committee that pension cases remained pending because of differing interpretations regarding the status of the affected employees.
The Finance Division was reportedly releasing funds for their salaries and allowances but had not allocated funds for pensions or medical reimbursement.
The committee emphasised that the adjustment of Pak PWD employees had been carried out on the directives of the Federal Cabinet and should therefore cover all their associated rights and privileges.
Officials further informed the committee that the Ministry of Interior had prepared a summary for submission to the Prime Minister.
The matter requires a decision at the Prime Minister or Federal Cabinet level because the Finance Division’s opinion is binding on ministries and divisions.
Committee seeks decision within three days
After detailed deliberations, the committee unanimously resolved that the pension issue should be addressed on humanitarian grounds and without further delay.
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 former Pak PWD employees, the chairman said the committee stood with the affected employees and would continue pursuing the matter until their legitimate pensionary and related issues were resolved.