News Detail
Event Title: Senator Kamil Ali Agha, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology Presiding over a Meeting Of The Committee at Parliament House Islamabad.
Event Date: 2026-05-05
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology was held under the chairmanship of Senator Kamil Ali Agha to review the implementation status of the Committee’s earlier recommendations, deliberate on the reported forced seizure and closure of the National Institute of Electronics (NIE), and examine the Terms of Reference (TORs) for inquiry into the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) license issuance case.
The meeting was attended by Senator Husna Bano, Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Senator Muhammad Aslam Abro, and Senator Saeed Ahmed Hashmi.
The Committee was briefed on the implementation of its previous recommendations. It was informed that under existing law, the Ministry of National Food Security, through the Department of Plant Protection, is mandated to inspect consignments of betel nut. The Chairman directed the relevant department to appear in the next meeting with a complete record of inspections.
The Committee discussed the technical allowance for engineers and noted that while most provinces have approved such allowances, a disparity persists at the federal level. The Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, was directed to pursue the matter and ensure issuance of the necessary notification.
The Committee was informed that the Pakistan-Korea Photovoltaic (PV) Testing Laboratory is operational, and plans are underway to expand its scope to include testing of solar batteries and inverters with the support of the Government of Korea. The Chairman appreciated the initiative and directed expeditious implementation of the expansion project.
While reviewing the duplication of functions between PCSIR and PSQCA, the Committee was informed that both organizations are in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration. However, the Committee expressed serious concern over reports indicating that PSQCA's does not hold accreditation for certain tests and have to approach PCSIR for accredited tests. The Chairman directed the formation of a joint committee comprising heads of PCSIR and PSQCA to propose a comprehensive plan for integration and optimal utilization of resources.
The Committee also examined PSQCA’s authority to impose on-the-spot fines and was informed that current laws do not grant such powers. It was also pointed out that most inspection related powers have been devolved to provinces such as food inspection. It was further noted that PSQCA is undergoing digital transformation and has been integrated with the Pakistan Single Window system, while SAP-based payment mechanisms have also been implemented.
Taking serious notice of the reported mishandling of machinery and valuable equipment of NIE following its merger into the Indigenous Research and Development Agency (IRADA), the Committee heard grievances from affected employees. Concerns were raised regarding improper handling during relocation and demolition of existing infrastructure. The Committee was assured that employees would be accommodated in other entities. Expressing grave concern, the Chairman directed the Ministry to submit a detailed report in the next meeting, including feasibility studies, relocation records, and inventory details.
The Committee was further informed that the Ministry has moved a summary for the retention of key scientific organizations, including NIO and PCST. The Committee endorsed the proposal and emphasized the importance of preserving critical national institutions. It also highlighted the issue of sea intrusion affecting land in various districts of Sindh and directed NIO to present a comprehensive report in the next meeting.
The Committee also reviewed the TORs of the inquiry into the PSQCA fake license issuance case. It was informed that the concerned director has been removed from the licensing committee, and no new licenses are being issued without the approval of the Director General. The Committee underscored that issuance of fake licenses damages the country’s credibility and called for strict action against those responsible.