Federal cabinet approves uniform pay scales for government employees

ISLAMABAD: Chairing a meeting on the federal cabinet on Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan directed for uniform pay scales of government employees to avoid discrimination.

Briefing media on cabinet decisions, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the prime minister assigned Finance Advisor Abdul Hafeez Sheikh to hold talks with striking employees to remove the sense of deprivation.

Shaikh has also been tasked to work with central and provincial governments to remove the disparity and both should send proposals to the federal cabinet. Awan said people have high expectations from the government and all steps would be taken to ensure it.

The cabinet was given a briefing by Advisor on Institutional Reforms regarding the reorganisation of government departments. The cabinet approved the proposals regarding various ministries and departments.

The cabinet discussed the quota of Islamabad residents in various government jobs and decided that 50 percent quota will be reserved for domicile holders of the federal capital in various public sector jobs in grades 1 to 15. This quota will be applicable for jobs based in Islamabad.

The federal cabinet was briefed on the coronavirus situation in the country. It endorsed its earlier decision not to export surgical masks keeping in view the coronavirus situation in the country.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfikar Bukhari and Special Assistant on National Health Dr Zafar Mirza apprised the cabinet of their talks with parents of Pakistani students in China and steps taken for their welfare.

The issue of testing service for jobs in various government departments was also discussed by the cabinet. Adviser on Establishment and Special Assistant on Social Welfare will devise a course of action regarding testing in government departments so that candidates for the posts of Grades 1 to 5 are facilitated.

The cabinet was updated on the progress so far regarding the report on the shortage of flour and sugar and was informed that details will be received after a week.

Secretary Interior updated the meeting on progress of the committee assigned to probe the issue and the committee convener DG FIA apprised the cabinet that available information and forensic audit are required by this committee.

The cabinet approved the granting of powers of Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act 2017 to the committee. The prime minister directed to ascertain those responsible for the shortage of these commodities.

The prime minister was informed of the public interest initiatives of various ministries, while the cabinet overviewed the decisions made so far.  The cabinet approved resignation of Chairman Board of Investment (BOI) Zubair Gilani who stepped down on personal reasons.

PM Imran Khan said that the PTI government inherited energy crisis and all the agreements were made during the tenure of previous governments. It was decided that energy issue will be deliberated upon in the next cabinet meeting.

The federal cabinet reiterated its decision not to do trade with India due to its suppression of Muslims in Occupied Kashmir and other parts of India.