Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology, led by Senator Kamil Ali Agha, convened at the Parliament House today to evaluate the progress and implementation of various initiatives and express serious concerns about operational inefficiencies within key departments.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the session was attended by several senators and high-ranking officials, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology. The committee reviewed the status of recommendations from their last meeting on September 25, 2024, focusing on the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority’s (PSQCA) activities and the management of the Science Expo funds. Concerns were raised about the operational effectiveness of the PSQCA, with Senator Agha suggesting a potential shutdown due to inactivity and questioning the fiscal efficiency related to the department’s inspectors.
The meeting also addressed the need for improving quality assurance in the cement sector and the restructuring of STEDEC into IRADA, emphasizing the importance of expediting these processes to ensure better service delivery and compliance with national standards. Discussions extended to the roles and contributions of the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and the Council for Works and Housing Research (CWHR), where the achievements in international collaborations and government projects were acknowledged.
Senator Agha highlighted the importance of robust testing facilities for construction materials and water quality, especially in areas like Faisal Town, which are grappling with water scarcity and substandard building materials. The committee also tackled issues of sea intrusion and coastal erosion, stressing the urgent need for effective solutions and the strategic importance of oceanography in national environmental policy.
Lastly, the committee discussed the overlap between the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Higher Education Commission, recommending a joint meeting to address the duplicative functions and enhance the efficiency of science and technology governance in Pakistan.