Pension crisis hits Pak PWD workers as Committee orders urgent action

Islamabad: Retired employees of the dissolved Pak PWD and families of workers who died during service are still waiting for pension benefits after being adjusted in the Capital Development Authority, the Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works was told. The committee expressed serious concern over the delay and ordered the Ministry of Interior to send the case to the Prime Minister within three days for a final decision.

The committee said the matter should be settled on humanitarian grounds and without further delay. The meeting, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood, reviewed the implementation of earlier directions concerning the adjustment, salaries and pension matters of employees of the former Pakistan Public Works Department.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Works told the committee that all employees of the dissolved department had now been adjusted according to the committee’s directions. The committee learned that the employees were receiving their salaries and allowances.

The chairman appreciated senior officials of the concerned ministries for completing the adjustment process. However, serious problems remain over pensions. The committee was told that former Pak PWD employees who were adjusted into the CDA and later retired had still not received their pension benefits.

The same problem also affected employees who died during service, leaving their families waiting for benefits. Officials told the committee that the pension cases remained pending because government departments held differing views on the legal and administrative status of the adjusted employees.

The Finance Division was providing budget for salaries and allowances but had not provided funds for pensions or medical reimbursement, the committee was informed. Members questioned how employees could be transferred to another organisation yet fail to receive all benefits normally connected with their service.

The committee stressed that the adjustment of Pak PWD employees had been made under directions of the Federal Cabinet. It said the employees should therefore receive all related rights, benefits and privileges instead of receiving salaries alone.

The committee was informed that the Ministry of Interior had prepared a summary for the Prime Minister. Officials explained that the Finance Division’s opinion binds ministries and divisions.

Because of this, the dispute could only be finally resolved through a decision by the Prime Minister or the Federal Cabinet. After a detailed discussion, the committee unanimously decided that the issue should not remain pending.

Chairman Senator Nasir Mehmood directed the Ministry of Interior to submit the summary to the Prime Minister within three days. The committee said retired employees and families of deceased workers should not continue suffering because of differences between government departments over rules and interpretation.

Senator Nasir Mehmood said the committee supported the affected employees and would continue to pursue their cases until their legitimate issues were resolved. The final decision now depends on the Prime Minister or the Federal Cabinet after the Interior Ministry submits the summary.