A delegation from the OGDCL Ittehad Union today highlighted significant welfare challenges facing employees and their families, particularly concerning children”s access to education and delays in financial aid, during a high-level meeting with the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF) secretariat.
The union representatives, led by Member Governing Body WWF and Union President Zahid Hussain Bhutto, met with WWF Secretary Zulfiqar Ahmad to review key welfare matters. The delegation apprised the Secretary of persistent issues related to admissions and fee payments for workers’ children in educational institutions.
Discussions also covered matters concerning Marriage and Death Grants, the allocation of the Hajj quota, and the status of ongoing housing schemes for the employees of the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL).
In response, Secretary WWF Zulfiqar Ahmad reaffirmed that comprehensive reforms for workers’ welfare are in progress, following directives from Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain.
He announced that the Fund is transitioning towards complete digitalization. A mobile application will be launched soon, enabling workers to track their cases, receive updates, and access welfare services from home. The system will also link with educational institutions for timely facilitation.
Addressing specific concerns, the Secretary stated that deserving workers are being facilitated for Hajj under a transparent policy. Regarding housing projects, Ahmad assured the union that the allotment of houses and flats would be conducted strictly on merit and in a transparent manner. He also consented to present the union”s recommendations at the next Governing Body meeting.
The OGDCL delegation expressed its appreciation for the ongoing initiatives and conveyed confidence that cooperation for the betterment of industrial workers will proceed with the same spirit.
Meanwhile, on the economic front, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal positioned Pakistan as a premier connectivity hub for regional trade. Delivering a keynote address at the inaugural Tianshan Forum on Central Asia Economic Cooperation in Urumqi, he underscored that the nation offers the most efficient link between Central Asia, China, and the Middle East.
Iqbal stated that Gwadar Port provides Central Asian states with the shortest, fastest, and most cost-effective access to the sea, capable of reducing maritime access time by as much as 70 percent.
He concluded by reaffirming Pakistan”s commitment to deepening cooperation with China and its Central Asian partners.