Requires local employment in South Waziristan, survey report on Kohat gold auction awaited
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly discussed issues 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 the problems faced by Pakistani expatriates in the Gulf countries, particularly issues related to residency permits (iqama) and visa cancellations.
The resolution, moved by government MPA Obaidur Rehman, highlighted the difficulties faced by Pakistani citizens in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. It noted that visas of many Pakistanis were canceled in the UAE and urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant departments to take immediate steps for their resolution.
The House also called for facilitating speedy 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 Class 11 appointments conducted through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA).
Asif warned that candidates from other districts were being favored for posts in Upper and South Waziristan, while local residents were being sidelined. “We are contesting elections on the name of Imran Khan and carrying people’s hopes. 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 decision to halt the recruitment process till the concerned standing committee looked into the matter and gave its recommendations.
Law Minister Aftab Alam also supported the principle that district level posts should preferably go to local candidates and suggested necessary changes in the rules.
The health recruitment controversy dominated much of the proceedings, with members stressing that terror-hit areas such as Waziristan deserved special attention and that new recruits must provide 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 formed an inquiry committee as soon as complaints surfaced. The committee had completed its report, which would be presented before the next cabinet meeting. The report would subsequently be submitted to the assembly. The National Accountability Bureau also continued its own investigation into the matter.
The day’s proceedings reflected growing concern in the ruling alliance over the welfare of foreigners, fair recruitment practices in backward districts and transparency in the awarding of mineral contracts. Observers see the speaker’s decision on recruitments and the impending cabinet discussion on the Kohat gold probe as important steps towards addressing public grievances and ensuring accountability in the provincial government.
