Senate Panel orders full audit of workers welfare fund over Rs. 350 billion idle funds

A Senate committee has ordered a full financial audit of the Workers Welfare Fund WWF after serious concerns were raised over Rs. 350

Islamabad: A Senate committee has ordered a full financial audit of the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF) after serious concerns were raised over Rs. 350 billion lying unused, disputed housing allotments without approved policy, and long delays in resolving its constitutional status after devolution. Lawmakers also criticized the absence of key ministry officials and demanded urgent accountability and reforms for workers’ welfare.

The most serious issue highlighted in the meeting was that around Rs. 350 billion collected under the Workers Welfare Fund reportedly remains unused with the Finance Division. Lawmakers expressed concern that such a large amount of public money, meant for workers’ welfare, is lying idle instead of being used for housing, education, health, and support programmes for industrial workers.

Members of the committee questioned why these funds are not being actively invested or placed in interest-bearing accounts to generate returns for workers. They said that keeping such a large amount unused results in financial loss and directly affects the welfare of labourers across the country.

Another major concern raised was the long-pending issue of the constitutional and administrative status of WWF after the 18th Constitutional Amendment. The committee noted that despite years of discussion, the matter has still not been properly resolved, creating legal and administrative uncertainty. Lawmakers also expressed displeasure over the absence of both the Federal Minister and Secretary from the meeting, stating that serious governance issues cannot be addressed when top officials fail to appear before Parliament.

The committee further directed that all records related to devolution discussions, Council of Common Interests decisions, and future policy plans must be submitted for detailed review. Members stressed that delays in decision-making are directly affecting workers, who depend on these welfare funds.

A highly controversial issue discussed during the meeting was the Zone V labour housing project. Lawmakers questioned how housing allotments were announced without a formally approved policy. Members said that public property cannot be distributed outside legal procedures and demanded that responsibility be fixed for any irregularities. The committee also ordered a full fact-finding report along with complete documentation of the housing project.

The committee additionally reviewed allegations and concerns related to land acquired for a proposed medical university in Islamabad. Officials informed members that the matter had already been examined by relevant investigative bodies and is now under review by a newly formed committee.

Lawmakers also examined various welfare schemes run by WWF, including scholarships, health support, Hajj assistance, and housing initiatives. While they appreciated the introduction of digital systems such as an online portal and mobile application, they noted that many workers are still unable to benefit because their employers do not register them properly.

To address this issue, the committee directed WWF to introduce a system allowing workers to register themselves if employers fail to comply with legal requirements. It also ordered that the digital platforms be made available in Urdu to ensure accessibility for all workers.