The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology has recommended a nationwide Technical Allowance for engineers. The proposal aims to provide equal financial benefits across Pakistan.
During a recent meeting, the committee reviewed the issue in detail. Pakistan Engineering Council Registrar Engineer Khadim Hussain Bhatti briefed members. He said the Technical Allowance has been a long-standing demand of engineers.
He explained that engineers carry significant professional responsibilities. According to him, providing a Technical Allowance is justified to recognize their role in national development. He also pointed out that several other professions already receive similar benefits.
These professions include doctors, judges, civil servants, and pilots. Paramilitary personnel and management staff also receive allowances. This comparison was highlighted to support the case for engineers.
The registrar informed the committee that some regions have already approved the allowance. These include Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. However, implementation is still pending in Sindh and Balochistan.
He added that at the federal level, some institutions have started providing the Technical Allowance. These include the Indus River System Authority and the Pakistan Engineering Council. However, not all departments follow the same policy.
The committee noted this difference as a concern. Members said engineers should not face unequal treatment across provinces or institutions. They stressed the need for a uniform system nationwide.
The committee chairman appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan Engineering Council. He said engineers play a key role in infrastructure and development. He expressed full support for extending the allowance to all engineers.
The committee recommended immediate steps for implementation. It asked the Secretary of Science and Technology to oversee the process. Monitoring and timely payments were also emphasized.
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Officials believe this move will improve motivation among engineers. It may also help attract skilled professionals to public sector roles. The recommendation now awaits further action from the government.
