A session presided over by Sindh Provincial Ombudsman Muhammad Sohail Rajput delved into the protracted issue of unpaid dues for retired employees of Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Town Municipal Corporations (TMCs).
Distinguished participants included Additional Chief Secretary Syed Khalid Haider Shah, Ombudsman Secretary Mansoor Abbas Rizvi, Special Secretary of Local Government Ayesha Mir, KMC Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi, and other senior figures representing various sectors.
The ombudsman underscored that, despite the government’s ongoing financial predicaments, the absence of a coherent policy framework has left retired local government employees grappling with delays in receiving pensions and other entitlements. He stressed the necessity for a harmonized strategy to address their grievances in a systematic and effective manner.
Additional Chief Secretary Syed Khalid Haider Shah conceded the gravity of the financial turmoil confronting the KMC and TMCs. He elaborated that a phased methodology is under consideration to systematically clear the outstanding dues owed to the retired workforce, acknowledging the complexities of the fiscal crisis.
KMC Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi provided an overview, stating that prior to the implementation of the revised local government system in October 2023, the KMC independently managed employee payments. Presently, over 9,000 retirees await their pending dues. He disclosed plans to resolve 750 cases by the upcoming month, adding that Rs. 688 million is allocated monthly for pensions. Ombudsman Secretary Mansoor Abbas Rizvi highlighted the urgency of prioritizing cases involving deceased employees and other pressing concerns.
The provincial ombudsman suggested the establishment of a one-window payment system at the KMC to streamline the disbursement process. He proposed the preparation of a comprehensive summary, incorporating inputs from relevant departments, to be submitted for Sindh cabinet approval. He expressed optimism that a decisive resolution by the cabinet could offer a sustainable remedy to the persistent issue of overdue payments.
