The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology has approved a key recommendation to introduce a technical allowance for engineers across Pakistan. The decision marks a major step toward addressing a long-standing demand from the engineering community. The proposal calls for equal implementation of the allowance in all provinces and federal institutions without disparity.
The recommendation was made during a formal committee meeting where senior officials and representatives discussed the issue in detail. The committee emphasized that engineers play a critical role in national development and deserve recognition through financial benefits similar to other professional groups.
Pakistan Engineering Council Raises Longstanding Demand
During the session, the Registrar of the Pakistan Engineering Council, Engineer Khadim Hussain Bhatti, briefed members on the issue. He explained that the technical allowance has been a long-standing demand of engineers across the country. According to him, the request is based on the nature of professional responsibilities carried out by engineers in public and private sectors.
He also highlighted that similar allowances are already provided to several other professional groups. These include medical officers, judges, civil service cadres, pilots, paramilitary forces, and senior management roles. Therefore, engineers argue that they should receive comparable recognition for their technical contributions.
The Registrar stressed that fairness and consistency require the same benefits to be extended to engineers across all regions. He warned against creating differences between federal and provincial engineers in terms of compensation and incentives.
Uneven Implementation Across Provinces and Institutions
Committee members were informed that some progress has already been made at the provincial level. The technical allowance has been approved in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. However, implementation is still pending in Sindh and Balochistan, where approval processes are ongoing.
At the federal level, the allowance has been introduced in selected institutions, including the Pakistan Engineering Council and IRSA. Despite this progress, it has not yet been uniformly applied across all federal departments. This uneven implementation has created concern within the engineering community.
Officials noted that a consistent policy is needed to ensure equal treatment of engineers working in different regions and institutions.
Committee Calls for Equal Benefits and Faster Implementation
Members of the Senate committee appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan Engineering Council in advocating for engineers’ rights. They acknowledged that engineers contribute significantly to infrastructure development, energy projects, and technological progress in the country.
The committee unanimously supported the idea that the technical allowance should be extended nationwide. It also directed the Secretary for Science and Technology to take charge of the matter. The secretary has been instructed to oversee the implementation process and coordinate with all relevant departments.
Officials believe that introducing a uniform technical allowance will improve morale within the engineering sector. It may also help retain skilled professionals and strengthen public sector performance.
Step Toward Recognition of Engineering Profession
The approval of the recommendation reflects growing recognition of engineers’ role in national development. If implemented successfully, the policy could bring greater parity among professional groups in Pakistan’s public sector.
The decision now moves toward execution, where coordination between federal and provincial authorities will be essential. Engineers across the country are now expecting timely action on this long-pending demand.
