Islamabad: A recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat addressed significant issues including salary disparities among government cadres, dual nationality policies for civil servants, and financial claims by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). The meeting, chaired by Senator Rana Mahmood ul Hassan, took place at the Old PIPS Hall in Parliament Lodges, with both in-person and virtual participation from several senators and senior government officials.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the Committee highlighted concerns over non-uniform salary structures for officers of the same grade across different government departments. Senator Aimal Wali Khan emphasized the need for a mechanism to achieve salary uniformity, urging the Establishment Division to propose a plan to address the disparities. Discussions also focused on dual nationality among officers in BS-17 and above, leading to a proposed policy that would require officers to declare dual nationality status and seek government approval within 90 days.

The session included a briefing by OGRA’s Secretary on the disbursement of Price Differential Claims (PDCs) to Oil Marketing Companies, revealing that 40% of funds have been distributed, with the rest pending a detailed audit. Concerns were raised about false claims by some companies, with an independent audit firm being hired to verify these claims. The Committee called for the audit to be completed within two weeks to expedite payments.

Additionally, a presentation by Tolhawk on Smart Water Monitoring and Early Flood Warning Systems was reviewed, with the Committee recommending further discussion by the Climate Change Committee. Measures to implement minority quotas and women’s representation in senior positions were also addressed. The Committee plans to invite the Finance Division to analyze salary structures across federal departments and recommended increased parliamentary oversight in senior appointments.

Finally, the Committee requested briefings from the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on their salary structures and instances of malpractice, aiming to enhance transparency in government payroll frameworks.