ISLAMABAD:
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has expressed its inability to accept the transfer of remaining staff of the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak-PWD), it was learned on Wednesday.
The Senate Standing Committee on Housing discussed the issue of merger of Public Works Department (PWD) employees in various government institutions, with the department coming under heavy criticism for expressing inability to absorb staff.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Nasir Butt, was attended by Federal Housing Minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and Housing Secretary. Officials at the Ministry of Religious Affairs told the committee they could not accommodate employees with disabilities in their ministry.
This stance sparked a strong reaction from the Housing Minister, who reprimanded ministry officials saying they could not go against the Prime Minister’s orders. “The Ministry of Religious Affairs organizes free Hajj for its own employees but refuses to accept other employees,” Pirzada said.
Senator Butt also warned that if the department did not accept disabled employees, the committee would seek to end the free Hajj facilities currently provided to departmental staff. He added that if the employees were not suitable, he would raise the issue before the Prime Minister.
The FIA Deputy Director General informed the commission that the issue of PWD employees would be resolved soon. Senator Butt noted that the FBR and the Cabinet Division had already addressed this issue.
The President said efforts were underway to ensure that employees received their salaries before Eid. Pirzada also appreciated the role played by Senator Butt, terming his efforts regarding the adaptation of PWD employees as commendable.
