ISLAMABAD: While existing rules do not impose an absolute ban on dual nationality for civil servants in BS-17 and above, the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat was informed of a proposed policy that would require such officers to declare their dual nationality status and obtain government permission within 90 days. The committee directed the relevant authorities to submit a draft policy on the matter for further consideration.
A meeting of the committee was held under the chairmanship of Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan at the Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges, on Tuesday. The secretary of the Establishment Division and the acting chairman of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) briefed the participants on management pay scales and the progress of the Civil Service Reforms 2026.
During the session, the committee expressed serious concern over the lack of uniformity in salary structures across various government cadres. Aimal Wali Khan pointed out that pay disparities among officers of the same grade across departments remain a major source of dissatisfaction. Consequently, the committee directed the Establishment Division to devise a comprehensive mechanism to ensure salary uniformity and to present a detailed plan for bridging existing pay gaps among different service groups.
A separate briefing was delivered by Ogra officials regarding Price Differential Claims (PDCs) payable to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). The committee was informed that approximately 40% of the claims have already been disbursed in accordance with policy after due process, while the remaining amount will be released following audit verification and completion of required formalities. It was further disclosed that Ogra is in the process of hiring an independent audit firm to scrutinise these claims, amid concerns that some companies may have submitted inflated or fraudulent claims. The potential financial impact of such irregularities is estimated at around Rs125 billion of public funds.
Amir Waliuddin Chishti questioned the timeline for completion of the audit, noting that such payments are traditionally processed within a week. The committee subsequently directed that the audit process be expedited and completed within two weeks. It also reviewed a presentation by Tolhawk on Smart Water Monitoring and Early Flood Warning Systems. Acknowledging the technical and specialised nature of climate-related disaster management, the committee requested that the matter be referred to the relevant parliamentary forum for further deliberation and follow-up.
In addition, the committee was briefed on revised criteria for minority quotas in senior positions. The Civil Services Academy has initiated steps to ensure implementation of the 10% women’s quota and to enhance minority representation in grades BS-19 to BS-22.
It further decided to invite the Finance Division to its next meeting for a detailed discussion on salary disparities across federal government departments and to undertake a comprehensive financial analysis of existing pay frameworks.
It also recommended the inclusion of members from both Houses of Parliament in the High-Powered Selection Board to improve transparency, accountability and parliamentary oversight in senior-level appointments.
Towards the conclusion of the meeting, it directed that the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) be summoned in the next session to brief on reported cases of malpractice as well as its salary structure. Similarly, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been asked to appear before the committee to explain its pay framework. The Cabinet Division was also instructed to submit a comprehensive report on the salary structure of all federal government employees to facilitate informed policymaking.
