ISLAMABAD: The Aviation Division has recommended application of Pakistan Services (Maintenance) Act, 1952 in Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD), aimed at forcing the employees to perform in hard areas.

Official sources told Business Recorder that Aviation Division has requested for extension in application of the Pakistan Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1952 to all classes of employment under Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD).

The Pakistan Metrological Department, an attached department of Aviation Division, has the mandate to provide metrological and early warning services for civil and military aviation, Pakistan Navy and other important sectors. The services being provided by the department are helpful in safeguarding precious lives, infrastructure and boosting the economy of the country. Moreover, the agriculture sector is largely dependent upon metrological services provided by the department which subsequently depend upon the network of observatories and weather radar stations situated mostly in remote areas of the country.

The employees posted at various observatories have to make observations on regular basis despite extreme weather conditions, their presence at place of duty is necessary for the purpose of accurate transmission of data and information. Due to hardship in remote areas, most of the officials are unwilling for posting in these areas and use influence to review lawful orders. Some officials of PMD are engaged in organization of Employees Association to cause disruption in the disposal of official business. In order to ensure uninterrupted operation of the organisation, Aviation Division has recommended extension in application of the Pakistan Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1952 to all classes of employment under PMD for a further period of six months with immediate effect, under section-3 of the said Act.

Recently, the government applied Maintenance of Essential Services Act in USC to avert strike by the employees.