The National Assembly standing committee on the Cabinet Secretariat has directed the Cabinet Division to circulate clear instructions to all ministries and divisions to ensure strict compliance with the transport monetization policy. Chaired by Malik Ibrar Ahmad, MNA, the committee emphasised that the transport monetization initiative must bring real savings to the government by reducing the burden of vehicle maintenance and petroleum expenses on the public purse.
Committee members expressed concern that the intended benefits of transport monetization have not materialised, citing widespread use of official vehicles for private purposes as a major obstacle. The panel urged immediate measures to curb misuse and insisted that the Cabinet Division issue enforceable directions so that transport monetization is implemented uniformly across federal departments.
The committee deferred further discussion on the private members’ Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2024 until its next meeting and requested the Establishment Division to share the draft Civil Servants (Declaration & Prohibition of Foreign Nationality) Rules 2025. Officials informed the committee that the Secretary’s Committee had endorsed the draft rules and would submit them to the Prime Minister for further directions.
During deliberations on the Federal Employees Benevolent Fund and Group Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2024, moved by MNA Syed Rafiullah, members voiced dissatisfaction with the slow pace of the actuarial study that was due within ninety days. The committee directed the Benevolent and Group Insurance Funds Management to actively obtain data from all government departments benefiting from the funds and to provide that information to the actuarial firm. Management reported that 40 percent of required data has been shared so far, and the committee said it will closely monitor progress in upcoming meetings.
The panel also decided to schedule a comprehensive briefing on the administration of Islamabad Club at its next sitting, underscoring the committee’s interest in oversight of federal institutions. Attendance at the meeting included MNAs Tahira Aurangzeb, Nuzhat Sadiq, Farah Naz Akbar, Nelson Azeem, Irfan Ali Leghari, Syed Rafiullah, Shahida Begum and Noor Alam Khan, along with the Secretary Cabinet Division, Secretary Establishment Division, Special Secretary Establishment Division and senior officers of the concerned departments.
The committee’s directions aim to reinforce accountability in vehicle use and ensure the transport monetization policy delivers measurable fiscal relief for the government while advancing related civil service rulemaking and insurance reforms.
