Demands local hiring in South Waziristan, inquiry report on Kohat gold auction awaited
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly discussed issues facing Pakistanis in UAE and Gulf region. PHOTO: FILE
PESHAWAR:
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution expressing concern over the problems faced by Pakistani expatriates in Gulf countries, particularly issues related to residency permits (iqama) and visa cancellations.
The resolution, moved by government MPA Obaidur Rehman, highlighted the difficulties confronting Pakistani citizens in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. It noted that visas of many Pakistanis were being cancelled in the United Arab Emirates and urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant departments to take immediate steps for their resolution.
The house also called for facilitating the prompt repatriation of deceased Pakistanis so that their bodies could be brought home without delay.
In the same session, the assembly witnessed sharp criticism over recruitment irregularities in the health department, particularly in South Waziristan. Government MPA Asif Khan launched a strong attack on the provincial government, accusing it of violating local domicile rules in Grade 11 appointments being conducted through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA).
Asif warned that candidates from other districts were being favoured for posts in Upper and South Waziristan, while local residents were being sidelined. “We contest elections on the name of Imran Khan and carry the hopes of the people. If this practice continues, I will resign,” he said, adding that such decisions taken in “closed rooms” 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.
Speaker Babar Salim Swati supported the concerns raised by Asif and issued a ruling to halt the recruitment process until the concerned standing committee examined the matter and gave its recommendations.
Law Minister Aftab Alam also endorsed the principle that district-level posts should preferably go to local candidates and suggested necessary amendments in the rules.
The health recruitment controversy dominated much of the proceedings, with members stressing that terrorism-affected areas like Waziristan deserved special attention and that new appointees must give written assurances to serve in the region.
Separately, the house was informed about the completion of an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the auction of gold mineral blocks in Kohat.
PPP MPA Shazia Tahmase raised the issue through a question. In response, Alam and Minister Riaz Khan stated that the provincial cabinet had constituted an inquiry committee as soon as complaints surfaced. The committee had finalised its report, which would be presented before the next cabinet meeting. The report would subsequently be laid before the assembly. The National Accountability Bureau was also continuing its own investigation into the matter.
The day’s proceedings reflected growing concern within the ruling alliance over expatriate welfare, fair recruitment practices in backward districts and transparency in the award of mineral contracts. Observers see the speaker’s ruling on recruitments and the impending cabinet discussion on the Kohat gold inquiry as significant steps towards addressing public grievances and ensuring accountability in provincial governance.
