Karachi, July 31 (SPECIAL REPORT): Senior officers of the Federal Ombudsman visited the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) head office in Karachi on Thursday and reviewed operations to improve the institution’s outreach to unregistered workers. The Federal Ombudsman inspection team was led by Member Incharge and Coordinator Karachi, Amir Ahmed Shaikh, accompanied by Consultant Media Taqi Muhammad Soomro and Director Rasheed Ahmed Shaikh.
Mr. Shaikh expressed concern that a large number of laborers, particularly manual workers, remain unaware of EOBI and its potential pension benefits. He urged EOBI to launch comprehensive awareness campaigns using various media channels, including radio, television, and newspapers, to reach remote areas and broaden the base of eligible contributors. He emphasized an employee-centric approach rather than relying solely on employers.
The inspection team also reviewed employee registration and allotment procedures. They expressed satisfaction with the progress made in digitizing contribution and fund collection procedures. The performance of the Federal Ombudsman Complaints Management Information System during the last year was also reviewed.
Mr. Shaikh advocated for a more efficient and responsive employee grievance redressal system, emphasizing the importance of prompt and easy resolution of complaints. He urged immediate corrective measures to address ongoing challenges faced by EOBI, particularly regarding timely pension payments and pending cases.
EOBI Executive Chairman, Mr. Javed Shaikh, along with Director KPS, Mr. Abrez, provided a comprehensive briefing on the institution’s functions, outlining its structure and core duties under Article 38(c) of the Constitution. They highlighted the need for establishing more regional branches to increase service coverage across all provinces. Mr. Shaikh reiterated his commitment to supporting measures that enhance the organization’s utility and praised the Karachi administration’s ongoing efforts to modernize systems and improve service delivery.
