Islamabad: A recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology, chaired by Senator Kamil Ali Agha, focused on the closure of the National Institute of Electronics (NIE) and issues within the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). The committee reviewed earlier recommendations, discussed the forced seizure of NIE, and examined the inquiry terms for the PSQCA license issuance case.

According to the Senate of Pakistan, the meeting included Senators Husna Bano, Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Muhammad Aslam Abro, and Saeed Ahmed Hashmi. The committee was briefed on previous recommendations, including the mandated inspections of betel nut consignments by the Ministry of National Food Security. The relevant department was instructed to provide a complete inspection record at the next meeting.

The committee addressed the disparity in technical allowances for engineers at the federal level and directed the Ministry of Science and Technology to issue the necessary notification. It was also informed of plans to expand the Pakistan-Korea Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory to include solar battery and inverter testing, with support from Korea.

Concerns were raised about the duplication of functions between PCSIR and PSQCA, and the lack of accreditation for certain tests by PSQCA. A joint committee was directed to propose integration plans. The committee also noted PSQCA’s lack of authority to impose immediate fines and its ongoing digital transformation.

The reported mishandling of NIE machinery following its merger into the Indigenous Research and Development Agency was seriously noted. The committee heard employee grievances and requested a detailed report on the matter, including feasibility studies and relocation records.

The Ministry’s summary for retaining key scientific organizations was endorsed, highlighting the importance of preserving national institutions. Additionally, the impact of sea intrusion in Sindh was discussed, with NIO tasked to present a detailed report.

Finally, the committee reviewed the inquiry into fake license issuance by PSQCA, noting the removal of the responsible director and calling for strict action to maintain credibility.