NA COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES ASKS THE ISLAMABAD HEALTHCARE REGULATORY AUTHORITY TO ENSURE PAYMENT OF MINIMUM WAGES TO THE PARAMEDICAL STAFF OF PRIVATE HEALTH CARE ESTABLISHMENTS THROUGH AVAILABLE LEGAL FRAMEWORK EXPRESS DISPLEASURE OVER THE ABSENCE OF CHAIRMAN CDA AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICERS FROM THE MEETING.

 

Islamabad September 17, 2026: Standing Committee on Government Assurances has asked the Ministry National Health Service, Regulations and Coordination for enforcing minimum  wages  for  paramedical  staff  employed  in  private  hospitals  to  the  extent  of Islamabad Capital Territory through available legal framework.

The Committee expressed its serious concern over the reported non-payment of minimum wages to the paramedical staff working in private health hospitals and other health establishments. The Committee met under the chairpersonship of Ms. Nuzhat Sadiq, MNA in Parliament House, Islamabad. 

 

The committee was discussing an Assurance given on floor of the House by the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination on a Starred question regarding wages paid to paramedical staff in private hospitals in Islamabad.

 

The Ministry of National Health Services had contended that the issue does not fall under the purview of the Ministry or the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority and the same fell under the jurisdiction of Islamabad Capital Territory Labour Welfare Department.

 

The ICT Labour Welfare Department apprised the Committee that they were responsible for implementation of  the  Minimum  Wages  Ordinance  and  the  West  Pakistan  Shops  and  Establishments Ordinance to the extent of Islamabad, however under the existing legal framework had no clear enabling provisions for prescribing and enforcing minimum wages  specifically for paramedics employed in private hospitals. They further contended that the establishments for the treatment or care of sick and infirm persons are excluded from operation of both the above referred laws.

 

The Representative of the Ministry of National Health Services apprised that the process of registration of Hospitals and Health establishments by the Islamabad Healthcare Authority would begin within a weeks’ time and the issue of payment of minimum wages could be addressed, accordingly. 

 

The  Committee  while  taking  up  Assurance  regarding  payment  of  boarding  and lodging charges by the members of Pakistan Hockey Squad participating in Asian Champions Trophy 2024 through their own pocket, the Committee asked the Ministry and the Pakistan Sports Broad to ensure that the Sports Federations extend all out support to the players since they were representing Pakistan. 

 

The Committee was apprised that the Ministry of IPC and the Pakistan Sports Board regularly  provide  grants  enabling  the  Sports  Federation  to  make  arrangements  for participation of Pakistani Teams in international sports competitions. In the instant case the Ministry and the Pakistan Sports Board have provided grants amounting to Rs. 59 million and Rs. 37 million, respectively to Pakistan Hockey Federation during financial year 2023-24. In addition to the collective sum of Rs. 96 million, the Ministry provided Rs.23 million specifically to cover the participation expenses for the Asian Championship Trophy 2024 and after having amply financial resources the payment of charges on boarding and lodging does not arise.

 

The Secretary IPC contended that the news appearing in the media was ill founded and does not have merit. The Committee after hearing the reply disposed of the Assurance.  The Committee while taking up Assurance regarding poor conditions of roads in rural areas of Islamabad specially Jagiot road and Sikander-e-Azam Road expresses its concern on non-completion of the rehabilitation/construction work on both the roads. The Committee was of the view that the work was initiated in year 2023 and was still incomplete.

 

The Committee also expressed its displeasure over the absence of Chairman or any senior officer of CDA from the meeting. The Committee decided to pend further discussion till its next meeting. The meeting was attended by MNAs; Syed Javed Ali Shah Jillani, Ms. Shagufta Jumani, Ms. Shahida  Rehmani, Mr. Hameed Hussain, Ms. Sofia Saeed Shah (through zoom),  Ms. Natasha Daultana, Ms. Muniba Iqbal, Ms. Asiya Ishaq Siddique; Secretaries of the concerned Ministries and senior officials of the concerned departments.