Demands local hiring in South Waziristan, Kohat gold auction probe report awaited
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly discussed the problems faced by Pakistanis in the UAE and the Gulf region. PHOTO: FILE
PESHAWAR:
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution expressing concern over problems faced by Pakistani expatriates in the Gulf countries, including issues related to residence permits (iqama) and visa cancellations.
The resolution, moved by government MP Obaidur Rehman, highlighted the difficulties faced by Pakistani citizens in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. He noted that visas of many Pakistanis were being canceled in the UAE and urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant departments to take immediate steps to resolve the issue.
The house also called for facilitating the speedy repatriation of deceased Pakistanis so that their bodies could be brought back without delay.
During the same session, the assembly witnessed sharp criticism over recruitment irregularities in the health department, particularly in South Waziristan. Government MP Asif Khan has launched a strong attack on the provincial government, accusing it of violating local domicile rules in Grade 11 appointments made through the Educational Testing and Assessment Agency (ETEA).
Asif warned that candidates from other districts were being favored for positions in Upper and South Waziristan, while local residents were being sidelined. “We are contesting the elections in the name of Imran Khan and carrying the hopes of the people. If this practice continues, I will resign,” he said, adding that such decisions taken behind closed doors were unacceptable.
He lamented that the provincial health minister had not visited Waziristan even once in seven months, despite poor conditions in hospitals and basic health units (BHUs), where doctors were reportedly absent from duty.
Chairman Babar Salim Swati supported the concerns raised by Asif and issued a decision to suspend the recruitment process until the concerned standing committee examines the matter and gives its recommendations.
Justice Minister Aftab Alam also endorsed the principle that district-level posts should be given preferentially to local candidates and suggested necessary amendments to the rules.
The controversy over health recruitment dominated much of the debate, with members stressing that terror-hit areas like Waziristan deserved special attention and that new appointees must give written assurances to serve in the region.
Separately, the house was informed of the completion of an investigation into alleged irregularities in the auction of gold mineral blocks in Kohat.
PPP MP Shazia Tahmase raised the issue through a question. In response, Alam and Minister Riaz Khan said the provincial cabinet had constituted an inquiry committee as soon as complaints surfaced. The committee has finalized its report, which will be presented before the next cabinet meeting. The report would then be tabled before the assembly. The National Accountability Bureau is also continuing its own investigation into the matter.
The day’s proceedings reflected growing concern within the ruling alliance over the welfare of expatriates, fair recruitment practices in backward districts and transparency in the award of mining contracts. Observers see the president’s decision on recruitments and the impending cabinet discussion on the Kohat gold probe as important steps toward addressing public grievances and ensuring accountability in provincial governance.
