ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has called upon the Council of Common Interests (CCI) to urgently resolve the constitutional and administrative ambiguities surrounding the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF).
Chaired by Syed Rafiullah, the committee met to review a comprehensive briefing by the Ministry and WWF officials on the Fund’s operations, projects, and governance framework. Members stressed that a definitive political and administrative decision was now essential to end the prolonged uncertainty following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, which devolved several labour-related subjects to the provinces.
The committee formally directed the ministry to furnish a complete chronological record of all CCI deliberations and related legal opinions concerning the Fund’s devolution and jurisdictional status.
While acknowledging the Fund’s ongoing programmes in housing, education, healthcare, and financial grants, the members expressed concern over a gap between reported achievements and on-ground realities. They noted that while collections had increased significantly, financial claims must be verified through audited accounts and ledger reconciliations before being accepted.
Addressing operational matters, the committee stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability in project implementation and beneficiary selection. The WWF was instructed to produce detailed dossiers for all major schemes — with particular focus on the Zone-V Housing Project, described as “ready for allotment”. Officials were told to provide documentary evidence of allotments, beneficiary lists, and any disciplinary or legal action taken in cases of irregularities.
Chairman Rafiullah, stressing institutional integrity, pointedly remarked: “If your hospitals are so good, why do WWF board members go to private hospitals such as Shifa?” The comment underscored the committee’s insistence that the Fund’s public claims must align with realities experienced by workers and beneficiaries.
The committee also sought detailed reports on several pending matters, including:
Reconstruction of the WWF office in F-6, Islamabad Rawat land project status
Operational details of WWF schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including teacher rosters
Assistance to coal-mine workers
Investment policy and recent financial returns
Inventory of assets and maintenance policies
Furthermore, the committee strongly recommended that WWF employees be extended the same welfare facilities and benefits currently available to registered workers. It also urged the authorities to implement comprehensive health insurance schemes to safeguard workers’ well-being.
