Senate Panel Expresses Concern Over Non-Compliance in Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal Affairs

Islamabad: (Web Desk) – A Senate Sub-Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety has raised serious concerns over non-compliance with its previous directives while reviewing administrative and policy matters of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM).

The meeting, chaired by Senator Rubina Qaimkhani and attended by Senator Dost Ali Jeesar, noted that instructions issued on October 10, 2025, and reiterated on April 16, 2026, have yet to be implemented, with compliance reports still pending.

During the session, the Committee emphasized that while it is responsible for policymaking, implementation rests with the department. The Secretary informed the Committee that PBM employs around 5,000 staff members, adding that a government-mandated right-sizing exercise has led to 60 percent of positions being declared dormant or abolished after board approval. He said promotions had been delayed due to this process but would now be carried out soon.

The Committee also discussed structural issues, highlighting the need to streamline the general cadre and ensure proper segregation between administrative, IT, and medical departments, where rules are currently not being implemented effectively.

Senator Dost Ali Jeesar pointed out that an excessive workforce is placing a financial burden on the institution and stressed the need for better administrative management and rule enforcement.

The Committee reviewed 191 cases of illegal promotions, declaring them void from the outset. It also annulled the promotions of Kashif Nadeem and Bilal Anwar, directing recovery of all benefits received. In the case of Zafar Khan Safdar, the Committee ordered cancellation of his reinstatement, recovery of salaries, and references to the FIA and NAB.

The panel further noted that 41 officers have been denied promotions for 12 to 22 years despite the availability of 52 vacant posts, terming it a violation of a Supreme Court ruling. It directed authorities to issue promotion notifications along with full arrears. Meanwhile, all new hiring has been suspended until a transparent promotion process is finalized.

On financial matters, the Managing Director reported that an inquiry into procurement of sewing machines worth Rs60 million has been completed, with show-cause notices issued to 40 individuals and final action expected within 15 days. The Committee also highlighted pending financial irregularities amounting to Rs335 million, stating that a recovery plan under the Public Money Act, 2001, has yet to be implemented.

Regarding a fake degree case involving Rizwan Ahmed, verified by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the Committee directed immediate cancellation of his appointment, referral to the FIA, and formation of a new inquiry committee.

The Committee also discussed the introduction of an e-filing system to prevent loss of records and sought a briefing on Women Empowerment Centres.

Concluding the meeting, the Chair warned that failure to implement the Committee’s directives would result in direct references to accountability bodies, including NAB, FIA, the Auditor General, as well as the Prime Minister and Chairman Senate. She made it clear that no further extensions would be granted.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety and the Managing Director of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal.