ISLAMABAD: The House of Federation (Senate) on Monday passed a resolution expressing profound concern about the current situation in the regions of Dasu and Diamer Bhasha dams. The resolution, presented by Muhammad Talha Mahmood, called for addressing concerns in these areas, particularly regarding recruitment in the projects as per the designated quota.
The resolution emphasized that the salaries of individuals working on these projects should not be less than the minimum wage, set at Rs. 32,000 per month as per the government’s budget for the current fiscal year.
Moreover, it advocated for laborers working on these projects to be paid a minimum of Rs. 1,500 per day, following government policy.
Furthermore, the resolution urged the government to provide compensation to all the affected individuals under the “chola package.” It called for the government to take necessary steps to utilize allocated funds for constructing roads, schools, and other facilities in the affected areas, in consultation with local elders of Kohistan, based on merit.
The resolution demanded the release of necessary funds and expedited completion of work on the Kandia Valley road. It stressed that the allocated amount for welfare works should be used for the well-being of the people in those areas, in consultation with local elders.
Moreover, the resolution insisted on accepting and fulfilling reasonable demands of the people to ensure the smooth and amicable completion of work on those projects without encountering any obstacles.
Senate Defers Seven Bills, Refers 3 to Relevant Committees
Meanwhile, the Senate deferred seven bills related to the Ministry of Interior at the request of the minister concerned, who was absent during the consideration.
The deferred bills included the Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the Guardians and Wards (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the Provincial Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2023; and the Control of Narcotic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
The Chairman, acknowledging the minister’s absence, granted the request for deferring the bills, noting that it is an unusual occurrence as the relevant minister is typically present. The motion for deferment was accepted by both the movers and the House.
In addition, three bills introduced in the House were referred to the relevant committees after their introduction. These bills were the Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the National Occupational Health and Safety Bill, 2023; and the Federal Institute of Management Sciences Bill, 2023.
