SIALKOT, June 23: The Social security department has shown its inability to recover Rs17.5 million arrears from ‘influential’ industrialists and exporters.

Social security director Muhammad Amin stated this at a meeting of the District Labour and Human Resource Board held here on Friday. District nazim Akmal Cheema presided over the meeting. DCO Maj Rizwanullah Baig (retired), DO (coordination) Aamir Ejaz Akbar, labour leaders, representatives of various labour organisations and journalists also attended the meeting.

He said the ‘defaulters’ were very influential and they fail the department’s recovery campaign by using their ‘political influence.’

The department sought the cooperation of the main trade bodies, including Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), for ensuring recovery of the outstanding dues.

When contacted, district nazim Akmal Cheema expressed grave concern over the non-payment of the social security funds by the industrialists.

He directed the department to contact trade unions, including SCCI, for launching a vigorous drive against the defaulters.

WOMEN PRISONERS: A woman lawyer and a doctor have also been deputed in the jail for providing legal and medical aid to the women prisoners and their Children.

Sialkot DCO Maj Rizwan Baig (retired) told newsmen here on Friday that the district government has taken steps for the welfare of women prisoners and their children.

It was providing prisoners free legal, medical, transport, indoor recreation and education facilities, he added.

The DCO said the district government has been providing vocational education to the women prisoners for making them useful citizens of the country. This would enable them to earn their livelihood. — Correspondent