In the background of our meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan in January this year, task was assigned to Ministry of Planning, Development & Reforms to work with ASSE team on draft OHS Act 2018. Draft was circulated to all stake holders in Pakistan including federal ministries, divisions, provinces, public and private sector organizations, Pakistan Engineering council, NESPAK and Employers Federations. Feed back came from individual stake holders was compiled and shared with all before the meeting was called on May 18th at Ministry of Planning office in Islamabad. Limited people were invited from offices as well as ASSE.
Akhtar Quddus was the ASSE expert, Mehmood Khan was the author of draft act and Naseer Anjum was there to handle legal questions. Presentation was given to participants on need of National OHS act and challenges beyond its approval from the Parliament.
It was highlighted to engage OHS professionals at every stage of legislative process. Need of Center of Excellence and pool of experts was highlighted which is required for capacity building of implementing authorities and train large number of OHS experts to cater need of industry in coming years. Joint forces Staff Head Quarter has appreciated the task on OHS act and suggested to engage Engineer in Chief and Surgeon General (Serving 3 Star Generals) in proposed OHS Council.
Secretary Planning assigned task of compiling final draft act to ASSE team in two weeks which shall be circulated to stake holders for review. Next meeting scheduled on 25th June to finalize the draft.
