News Detail
Event Title: Senator Rana Mahmood Ul Hassan, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat presiding over a meeting of the Committee in Islamabad
Event Date: 2026-07-06
The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat met at Committee Room Establishment Division under the chairmanship of Senator Rana Mahmood Ul Hassan to consider the "Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2026", review OGRA's regulatory framework, discuss consumer complaint, management pay scales, price differential claims (PDCs), and issues relating to oil marketing companies (OMCs).
The meeting was attended by Senator Saadia Abbasi, Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, Senator Mohammed Abdul Qadir, while Senator Saleem Mandviwalla participated via Zoom.
The Committee expressed serious concern over a consumer complaint in which OGRA's inquiry had supported the gas utility over leakage and unjustified bill. Members questioned the removal of a gas meter over alleged non-payment despite the consumer claiming that bills had not been received. The Committee voiced reservations over the existing accountability mechanism and directed the Chairman OGRA to personally review the case and ensure its resolution within two weeks.
The Committee also examined the Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2026, raising questions regarding deputations extending beyond the prescribed five-year limit and the need to regulate deputation and absorption policies. While the Secretary Establishment Division assured members that the deputation rules and policy would be reviewed, the Committee, after deliberation, unanimously approved the government bill.
During a briefing on management, special and project pay scales, members criticized the incomplete information provided and questioned the necessity of filling several long-vacant positions on special pay structures when their functions were already being performed. The Committee deferred the agenda item and directed the relevant authorities to submit comprehensive data and detailed responses to the issues raised.
The Committee also discussed allegations regarding the transfer of bonded petroleum products by certain OMCs, resulting in losses to the national exchequer. While refraining from discussing matters pending before the courts, members were informed that the FBR is digitizing its systems and conducting audits to determine financial losses, whereas OGRA had identified irregularities and referred the matter to the FIA for investigation. The Committee appreciated the actions taken by the authorities and directed that investigations be conducted impartially, with due consideration given to the viewpoints of all stakeholders. It further emphasized strengthening digital oversight and ensuring strict action against those responsible for irregularities.
Reviewing the issue of outstanding Price Differential Claims (PDCs), the Committee appreciated the role of OMCs in maintaining uninterrupted petroleum supplies during the recent Iran-US conflict. Representatives of OMCs, however, highlighted concerns over cumbersome documentation requirements and warned that delayed payments could create supply challenges during the upcoming harvesting season. The Chairman OGRA assured the Committee that consultations with OMCs would be held to resolve the matter. The Chairman Committee directed OGRA to engage with the industry, settle the outstanding issues, report back to the Committee, and ensure that interest earned on delayed PDC payments should be passed on to the OMCs.
The Committee also took notice of the unauthorized overnight switching of OMC affiliations at retail outlets and questioned the absence of an effective regulatory mechanism. Stressing the need to protect contractual obligations between retailers and OMCs, the chairman directed OGRA to convene consultations with both parties and formulate a comprehensive policy to regulate changes in OMC affiliations at petrol pumps.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Committee paid tribute to martyred Group Captain Asim Tariq, who embraced martyrdom in the recent incident in Islamabad, and offered prayers for the departed soul.