Ministry flouts PM's directive

The Religious Affairs Ministry has expressed its inability to accept the transfer of the remaining Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak-PWD) staff, it emerged on Wednesday.

The Senate Standing Committee on Housing discussed the issue of merging employees of the Public Works Department (PWD) into various government institutions, with the ministry drawing sharp criticism for expressing inability to absorb the staff.

The meeting, chaired by Senator Nasir Butt, was attended by Federal Minister for Housing Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and the housing secretary. Officials of the Religious Affairs Ministry told the committee that they could not take PWD employees into their ministry.

The stance prompted a strong reaction from the housing minister, who reprimanded the ministry's officials that they could not go against the prime minister's orders. "The Ministry of Religious Affairs arranges free Hajj for its own employees but is refusing to take other employees," Pirzada said.

Senator Butt also warned that if the ministry did not accept PWD employees, the committee would seek to end the free Hajj facility currently provided to the ministry's staff. He added that if the employees were not adjusted, he would raise the matter before the prime minister.

The deputy director general of the FIA informed the committee 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 chair said that efforts were afoot to ensure that employees receive their salaries before Eid. Pirzada also appreciated the role played by Senator Butt, calling his efforts regarding the adjustment of PWD employees commendable.