A meeting chaired by Sindh Provincial Ombudsman Muhammad Sohail Rajput discussed the long-standing issue of unpaid dues for retired employees of Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Town Municipal Corporations (TMCs). Key officials in attendance included Additional Chief Secretary Syed Khalid Haider Shah, Ombudsman Secretary Mansoor Abbas Rizvi, Special Secretary of Local Government Ayesha Mir, KMC Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi, and other senior officials.
The provincial ombudsman highlighted that while the government is aware of its financial challenges, the lack of a clear policy is leaving retired local government employees in distress over their pensions and other dues.
He stated, “Despite financial constraints, a unified strategy is necessary to alleviate the concerns of these employees.” Additional Chief Secretary Syed Khalid Haider Shah acknowledged the severe financial crisis facing the KMC and TMCs, and shared that they are working on a phased plan to address pending payments.
KMC Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi explained that prior to the new local government system’s implementation in October 2023, the KMC managed payments directly to employees. Currently, the KMC has over 9,000 retired employees awaiting dues, with plans to resolve 750 cases by next month. He added, “We are paying Rs. 688 million in pensions monthly to retirees.” Ombudsman Secretary Mansoor Abbas Rizvi emphasized the need for additional steps to prioritize cases involving deceased employees and other urgent obligations.
The provincial ombudsman proposed that the Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) should take on full responsibility for a streamlined, one-window payment system. He further suggested drafting a consensus summary, based on departmental input, for approval by the Sindh cabinet. “A cabinet decision could provide a lasting solution for the overdue dues of these retired employees,” he added.
