Federal employees denied timely benefits as NA panel questions delays in insurance fund decisions

Serious concerns over delayed financial benefits for federal government employees and questions about unequal treatment of workers

Islamabad:  Serious concerns over delayed financial benefits for federal government employees and questions about unequal treatment of workers at Islamabad Club came under discussion in the National Assembly Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, which demanded urgent action to protect employees from further financial hardship.

The committee expressed strong concern over the long delay in decisions on the Federal Employees Benevolent and Group Insurance Fund (FEB&GIF), particularly the proposed government contribution for employees in Basic Pay Scales 1 to 15.

The issue raised serious questions about why important decisions concerning employees’ financial benefits had remained pending despite the completion of an actuarial study, which examines the financial position of the fund and its ability to provide benefits.

The parliamentary committee, chaired by MNA Malik Ibrar Ahmad, met at Islamabad Club and directed the concerned authorities to give priority to the pending recommendations of the study.

Committee members observed that the matter had already been delayed considerably and stressed that federal employees should not be forced to wait further for decisions affecting their financial security.

The committee also directed that the proposed contribution to the fund on behalf of employees in BPS 1 to 15 be taken up with the Finance Division for an early decision.

A major concern emerged when the committee observed that retiring employees should receive benefits from the fund at the time of retirement instead of such benefits being extended only after their death.

The committee stressed that employees who had spent their working lives in government service should be able to benefit from the fund during their retirement.

Members called for urgent decisions to ensure that employees receive their rightful financial benefits without unnecessary delays.

However, the meeting did not establish any case of corruption, misuse of fund money or illegal withholding of payments. No amount of financial loss was disclosed.

The committee also raised the issue of educational support for employees and directed that the proposal to include professional degrees in the fund’s fee reimbursement scheme be placed before the FEB&GIF Board for an early decision.

The move could expand educational support for eligible employees and their families if the board approves the proposal.

The Additional Secretary Establishment Division and the Deputy Managing Director of the fund assured the committee that the pending matters would be actively pursued with the relevant authorities to secure timely decisions.

Meanwhile, Islamabad Club also came under parliamentary scrutiny over complaints and concerns relating to employees’ wages, medical facilities and other financial benefits.

The committee reviewed the implementation of recommendations made during its previous meeting, including the need to ensure that all club employees receive medical facilities and honorarium without discrimination.

The committee also emphasized that every eligible club worker must receive at least the minimum wage fixed by the government.

The discussion raised concerns about fairness in the treatment of workers at one of the capital’s prominent clubs, particularly whether benefits and facilities are being provided equally to all employees.

Committee members directed that the proposals concerning minimum wages, medical facilities and honorarium be placed before the Islamabad Club Board for early consideration and a decision.

The committee also reviewed the club’s membership admission policy, particularly proposals to make it easier for other family members of existing members to obtain membership.

Another issue emerged when members complained that some clubs affiliated with Islamabad Club were not providing the facilities expected under their arrangements.

The committee took notice of these complaints and directed the administration to examine the matter and take appropriate steps to ensure fair treatment and better services for affiliated members.

During the briefing, the Secretary Islamabad Club informed the committee that the club currently had reciprocal arrangements with eight national and thirteen international clubs, making a total of 21 affiliated clubs

The complaints about unavailable facilities raised questions about whether members were receiving the services expected through these arrangements.

The club administration also briefed lawmakers on its development and expansion plans, saying that funds had been included in the development budget for the financial year 2026 to 2027.

However, the committee was not informed of any confirmed financial irregularity involving these development funds.

The Islamabad Club Secretary said the administration was pursuing community development and Corporate Social Responsibility activities.

He informed lawmakers that modern infrastructure had been provided for members interested in horse riding and polo.

The committee was also briefed on educational visits arranged for students, special horse riding training programmes for children and people with disabilities, and welfare activities for club employees.

The administration informed the committee that movie screenings had been arranged for orphan children, while several sports and community activities were also being promoted.

Officials also highlighted steps taken for environmental protection, including the establishment of an electric vehicle charging facility at the club.

The administration said infrastructure development was continuing to improve facilities and provide greater convenience to members.

The committee appreciated these educational, social welfare and environmental initiatives but emphasized that such activities should continue alongside efforts to address concerns about employees’ wages, medical facilities and equal treatment.

Lawmakers stressed the importance of social responsibility, particularly programmes supporting education, inclusion and the welfare of vulnerable groups.

The committee directed the concerned authorities to place the pending proposals before the Islamabad Club Board and ensure that decisions are taken without further unnecessary delay.