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: 2026-09-09
Senate Committee Approves Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill with Amendments, Reviews NUST Water Supply and Food Safety Issues
The Senate Standing Committee on Science & Technology met at Parliament House, Islamabad, under the Chairmanship of Senator Kamil Ali Agha to consider the Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill, 2026, review the implementation status of recommendations regarding water and wastewater issues at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), and consider the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The meeting was attended by Senators Husna Bano, Muhammad Aslam Abro, Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi, Federal Miinster for Defence Production Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj and senior officials from the relevant Ministries/departments.
The Committee was briefed on the Pakistan General Cosmetics Regulatory Authority (PGCRA) and the background to the proposed legislation. The Committee was informed that the Authority had been established under the Pakistan General Cosmetics Act, 2023, while the Federal Cabinet subsequently approved its winding up in January 2025. A committee constituted by the Prime Minister reviewed the matter and submitted its report.
During the discussion, the Chairman observed that the growing use of cosmetics, particularly unregulated and potentially harmful products, required an effective regulatory mechanism to protect the general public. He shared concerns regarding the informal trade and smuggling of cosmetic products, including products entering the country through different channels without adequate regulatory checks. The Committee also discussed the respective roles of the proposed cosmetics regulatory framework and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), stressing the need for an effective system of checks and balances.
Moreover, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi said that smuggling was a separate but related challenge and that effective implementation of the law would be essential. He observed that cosmetics were widely used by the general public, young girls and women alike, making consumer safety and proper regulation important.
The Committee was further informed about the need to establish a clear mechanism for regulating cosmetic products and preventing the circulation of unsafe products in the market. After detailed deliberations and consideration of proposed amendments, the Committee approved the Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill, 2026, with two amendments.
Further, The Committee also reviewed the longstanding water supply and wastewater treatment issues at NUST. Officials informed the Committee that NUST had paid Rs. 22 million to CDA in 2005 for a 3 MGD water supply pipeline from Shah Allah Ditta Reservoir, but the project remained incomplete due to encroachments and unresolved land issues. NUST had also paid Rs. 18 million in 2008 for a pipeline from the H-11 reservoir, intended to provide 100,000 gallons per day. Although the supply was started at 50,000 gallons per day on the Committee’s directions in January 2026, it was discontinued in June due to water shortages.
The Chairman expressed concern over the prolonged delay and directed the concerned authorities to expedite resolution of the land acquisition issue and explore Shah Allah Ditta water source as a sustainable solution for NUST. He further directed officials to prepare a proposal for early funding from NUST’s own resources with the aim of completing the required work within six months.
Regarding wastewater treatment, the Committee was informed that untreated wastewater from G-13 and H-13 passing through NUST area was causing environmental concerns due to the non-construction of a Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP). NUST has prepared a Rs. 159 million PC-I for the project, while CDA has imposed a Rs. 574 million penalty on NUST for construction undertaken without prior approval of the plan. To resolve the matter, the Committee recommended revival of sub-committee with Senator Afnanullah as the Convener to oversee and implementation of its recommendation made earlier and to look into unresolved issues of NUST with CDA and FGEHA.The Committee also recommended that NUST should carry-out an in-house exercise to propose changes in its charter, if any.
While considering the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Committee discussed provisions concerning the sale and consumption of energy drinks particularly in schools, colleges and in their vicinity. Officials explained that the proposed amendment involved a specific sub-clause and referred to best practices followed in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It was decided that the relevant amendments would be forwarded to the concerned authorities, while the Interior Ministry and food safety authorities would be invited to the next meeting for further deliberation and consideration of the proposed measures.
The meeting further reviewed the loss of thousands of acres of land in Sindh due to rising sea erosion. The Committee sought a detailed, research-based presentation on the issue, including recommendations for addressing rising water levels and mitigating further land loss in the next meeting.
The Chairman appreciated the efforts of the Ministry in establishing Pak-Korea Solar Testing Lab. The Secretary MoST informed that Committee that they are in further talks with Koreans for establishing lab for testing of solar batteries.