Govt servants: Panel concerned over lack of uniformity in salary structures

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat expressed serious concern over the lack of uniformity in salary structures across various government cadres and directed the Establishment Division to develop a mechanism for salary uniformity and provide a detailed plan to bridge existing pay disparities among service groups.

The Committee also directed the relevant authorities to submit a draft policy on dual nationality, outlining the legal framework, eligibility criteria, and proposed measures to address associated administrative and regulatory matters.

The Committee was informed that the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is currently hiring an independent audit firm to verify the claims of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), as there are concerns that some companies are submitting false claims for subsidy payments under the government’s decision to keep fuel prices affordable.

The Committee met under the chairmanship of Senator Rana Mahmood ul Hassan at the Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges, on Monday.

The meeting was attended by Senators Saadia Abbasi, Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Anusha Rehman, Aimal Wali Khan, and Atta ur Rehman, while Senators Saleem Mandviwalla and Amir Waliuddin Chishti participated virtually via Zoom.

The Secretary Establishment Division, Secretary Cabinet Division, and other senior officials were also in attendance to provide briefings on several critical agenda items.

The Secretary Establishment Division and the Acting Chairman of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) provided an update on management pay scales and the progress of Civil Service Reforms 2026.

During the meeting, the Committee expressed significant concern regarding the lack of uniformity in salary structures across various government cadres.

Senator Aimal Wali Khan said that salary differences between departments for officers of the same grade remain a point of contention, leading the Committee to direct the Establishment Division to develop a mechanism for salary uniformity and provide a detailed plan to bridge existing pay disparities among service groups.

The Committee also reviewed the status of officers in BS-17 and above holding dual nationality. While current rules do not place an absolute bar on dual nationality for civil servants, the Committee was informed of a proposed policy requiring such officers to declare their status and obtain government permission within 90 days. The Committee directed the relevant authorities to provide a draft policy regarding dual nationality.

The meeting concluded with the decision to transfer agenda items concerning salary and pay structures to the Finance Division for a more detailed financial analysis.

Furthermore, the Committee suggested the inclusion of members from both Houses of Parliament in the High-Powered Selection Board process to ensure greater transparency and oversight in senior-level appointments.

A briefing was conducted by the Secretary OGRA regarding Price Differential Claims (PDCs) payable to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

The Committee was informed that OGRA has processed the disbursement of approximately Rs 38 billion in Price Differential Claims (PDCs) to 34 Oil Marketing Companies as part of the government’s decision to keep fuel prices affordable.

The Committee was further informed that 40 percent of the amount has been disbursed to companies as per policy after due process, while the remaining amount will be disbursed after careful audit and completion of prescribed formalities.

It was also informed that OGRA is currently hiring an independent audit firm to verify these claims due to concerns that several companies are submitting false claims for payments.

The Committee was informed that the financial impact of these irregularities is estimated at approximately Rs 125 billion of public money.

Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti questioned the timeline for completion of this audit, noting that companies are traditionally paid within a week, and the Committee directed that the process be expedited within two weeks.

The committee also received a presentation from US-based Tolhawk on smart water monitoring and early flood-warning systems, which was referred to the Senate Climate Change Committee for further consideration.

Additionally, the Committee was briefed on revised criteria for the minority quota in senior positions. The Civil Services Academy has initiated measures to ensure the implementation of the 10 percent women’s quota and enhanced representation for minorities in grades BS-19 to BS-22.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026