An embattled lot of Capital Development Authority (CDA) employees, uncertain of their job’s future, were given a breather when a notification issued by the finance wing announced the early disbursement of their salaries on 28 June.
Furthermore, an Eid allowance equal to full month’s running pay will also be paid alongside the salary to all Muslim employees, serving staff and pensioners.
The Eid bonus and early salary will benefit thousands of CDA employees that are currently working in non-gazetted posts below BPS-17. This includes gardeners, drivers, security guards, clerical staff, stenos and staff both in administration and field directorates.
Currently, CDA employs more than 15,000 personnel in many wings and dozens of directorates. The notification came at a time when CDA is facing its worst existential crisis, as a recently issued notification by Ministry of Interior has transferred key directorates from CDA to Islamabad Municipal Corporation (IMC), headed by Sheikh Ansar Aziz.
Presently, Shahrukh Nusrat has the acting charge of CDA. Nusrat, an additional secretary of CADD, is supervising the matters at CDA as the chairman at the moment.
Maroof Afzal is on leave. Lately, many rumours were heard regarding Maroof Afzal’s official leave of one month due to personal reasons. Some insiders said that the rift with the CADD minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhary over the issuance of some plots was the main cause behind the chairman going on a month long leave.
The above instances coupled with scandals surrounding allotment of plots, allegations of corruption and bribery, and being reprimanded on a weekly basis by various committees of the senate and National Assembly don’t bid well for the ailing CDA.
After a long time, CDA employees heard the news that wasn’t about a scam or a scandal. Immediately after the issuance of notice, they gathered around Central Union Office and expressed their joy. CDA Labor Union General Secretary Chaudhary Yaseen while addressing the gathering thanked the acting chairman Shahrukh Nusrat, member administration Amir Ali Ahmed and other officers. He said that this step will increase the happiness of employees and allow them to celebrate the holy month of Ramzan and Eid with religious zeal and zest.
