Call for implementing job quota in dams’ projects

The Senate on Monday expressed deep concern over the present situation emerging in the areas of the Dasu and Diamer-Bhasha dams and passed a resolution seeking recruitment in the projects as per the quota fixed for them.

The resolution was tabled by Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood. The resolution said that the salary of persons working on the projects should not be less than the minimum wage, Rs32,000 per month, as fixed by the government in the budget for the current fiscal year.

It also emphasised that the labourers working on the projects should be paid at least Rs1,500 per day, following the government policy.

Additionally, the resolution urged the government to provide compensation to all the victims of the projects under the “chola package”.

It added that the government should take all necessary steps to utilise the amount allocated for the construction of roads, schools, and other facilities in the affected areas in consultation with local elders of Kohistan on merit.

The resolution demanded that necessary funds be released, and that work on the Kandia Valley road should be expedited and completed at the earliest.

It also stressed that the amount fixed for welfare work should be utilised for the welfare of the people in those areas with the consultation of local elders.

Moreover, the resolution said that reasonable demands of the people should be accepted and fulfilled so that the work on those projects may be completed amicably without any hurdles.

Through another unanimous resolution, the Senate demanded that all governments, including the federal, enhanced measures to provide better security for humanitarian workers.

The resolution was tabled by Senator Sania Nishtar.

The resolution said, “The Senate commemorates World Humanitarian Day on August 19 and recognises the selfless efforts of humanitarian workers and organisations who strive to save and protect lives across the globe and to reduce human suffering.”

The upper house of parliament also honoured those frontline humanitarian workers who had lost their lives in the line of duty.

The house particularly showed appreciation for the humanitarian assistance extended to Pakistan by the global community during last year’s devastating floods.

The Senate noted with alarm that humanitarian workers worldwide continued to remain vulnerable to violence and attacks, with major attacks numbering 235 in 2022 alone, including one in Pakistan, undermining the safety and security of those who were dedicated to saving lives and delivering assistance.

The Senate called upon the government of Pakistan to enhance its support for humanitarian efforts, both within its borders and beyond, through diplomatic, financial, and logistical means, in partnership with other governments and multilateral organisations