Cancellation of plots for OPF high-ups ordered

[LRE]

Cancellation of plots for OPF high-ups ordered

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis on Wednesday directed the Ministry of Labour to cancel the plots allotted to the members of board of governors and other high-ups of OPF housing schemes.

The committee, held at Parliament House with Senator Naeem Hussain Chattha in the chair, noted with concern that the BoG members and other high-ups were allotted plots in the OPF housing schemes depriving many deserving overseas Pakistanis of their right to own a plot back home.

The meeting vowed to spare no effort to protect the interests of overseas Pakistanis who were contributing handsomely to the national exchequer in the form of foreign exchange. The committee termed overseas Pakistanis a valuable asset and urged the government to take steps for their welfare so that they feel comfortable and work efficiently to bring a good name to their motherland.

Having a briefing on the housing schemes launched for the overseas Pakistanis, the Senate body directed that development work on Islamabad Housing Scheme should be expedited and the boundary wall constructed as soon as possible. The committee members were happy to learn that the project would be completed within the timescale.

The committee, however, endorsed the view of the ministry and the OPF that increase in fee for intending emigrants from Rs 1050 to Rs 2,000 was inevitable due to the current level of inflation and price hike. Regarding the status of recruitment by Overseas Employment Corporation for South Korea, the committee urged the Ministry of Labour to send more workforce abroad so that people may avail themselves of the working opportunities there and contribute to the national economy.

Earlier, senior officials of the ministry and its attached departments informed the committee about the status of Islamabad Housing Scheme and the reasons for increasing free by the OPF for the intending immigrants.

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