ISLAMABAD
On Monday, the Senate issued a resolution asking for recruitment in the projects in accordance with the quota set for them, expressing grave worry about the current scenario that is developing around the Dasu and Diamer-Bhasha dams.
Senate Minority Leader Muhammad Talha Mahmood introduced the resolution. The decision stipulated that the pay of individuals engaged in the projects must not go below the minimum wage of Rs. 32,000 per month, which is set by the government in the current fiscal year’s budget.
It also emphasized that, in accordance with government regulation, laborers working on the projects should be paid at least Rs 1,500 per day.
The resolution also demanded that the government compensate every victim of the projects included in the “chola package.”
It added that the government should take all necessary steps to utilise the amount allocated for the construction of roads, schools, and other facilities in the affected areas in consultation with local elders of Kohistan on merit.
The resolution demanded that necessary funds be released, and that work on the Kandia Valley road should be expedited and completed at the earliest.
It also stressed that the amount fixed for welfare work should be utilised for the welfare of the people in those areas with the consultation of local elders.
Moreover, the resolution said that reasonable demands of the people should be accepted and fulfilled so that the work on those projects may be completed amicably without any hurdles.
Through another unanimous resolution, the Senate demanded that all governments, including the federal, enhanced measures to provide better security for humanitarian workers.
The resolution was tabled by Senator Sania Nishtar.
The resolution said, “The Senate commemorates World Humanitarian Day on August 19 and recognises the selfless efforts of humanitarian workers and organisations who strive to save and protect lives across the globe and to reduce human suffering.”
The upper house of parliament also honoured those frontline humanitarian workers who had lost their lives in the line of duty.
The house particularly showed appreciation for the humanitarian assistance extended to Pakistan by the global community during last year’s devastating floods.
The Senate noted with alarm that humanitarian workers worldwide continued to remain vulnerable to violence and attacks, with major attacks numbering 235 in 2022 alone, including one in Pakistan, undermining the safety and security of those who were dedicated to saving lives and delivering assistance.
The Senate called upon the government of Pakistan to enhance its support for humanitarian efforts, both within its borders and beyond, through diplomatic, financial, and logistical means, in partnership with other governments and multilateral organizations.
