ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Science & Technology has approved the Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill, 2026, incorporating two amendments, and reviewed issues pertaining to water supply and food safety at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). The meeting, held at Parliament House and chaired by Senator Kamil Ali Agha, also discussed the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee was briefed on the Pakistan General Cosmetics Regulatory Authority (PGCRA) and the legislative background. The authority was established under the Pakistan General Cosmetics Act, 2023, but was slated for dissolution by the Federal Cabinet in January 2025. A Prime Ministerial committee reviewed the situation and provided their findings. Concerns were raised about the unregulated use of cosmetics and the need for a regulatory framework to safeguard public health. Discussions also covered the relationship between the proposed regulatory framework and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi highlighted the issue of smuggling and stressed the importance of implementing the law effectively. The committee emphasized the need for a regulatory mechanism to prevent unsafe cosmetic products from entering the market.
In addition to the cosmetics bill, the committee reviewed NUST’s water supply problems. Officials indicated that a 3 MGD water supply pipeline project, initiated in 2005, remains incomplete due to encroachments and land issues. A separate pipeline project inaugurated in 2026 was discontinued in June due to water shortages. The committee urged authorities to resolve land acquisition issues and explore sustainable water solutions for NUST, encouraging NUST to allocate its own resources for completion within six months.
Regarding wastewater treatment, the committee was informed of environmental concerns due to untreated wastewater from nearby areas affecting NUST. A Rs. 159 million project proposal has been prepared by NUST, while a Rs. 574 million penalty by CDA complicates matters. The committee recommended reviving a sub-committee to address these issues and urged NUST to review its charter.
The committee also considered the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2025, focusing on regulations around energy drinks near educational institutions. It was decided to forward amendments to concerned authorities and involve the Interior Ministry and food safety officials in future discussions.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the loss of land in Sindh due to sea erosion, requesting a detailed presentation for future sessions. The chairman acknowledged the Ministry’s efforts in establishing a Pak-Korea Solar Testing Lab and noted ongoing talks for additional testing facilities.