ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, led by Senator Rana Mahmood ul Hassan, convened at the Parliament Lodges to discuss the performance of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and other pressing national matters.
According to a statement by Senate of Pakistan, the PCB’s Chief Operating Officer provided an overview of the Board’s activities, highlighting the successful completion of the Pakistan and England series and the ongoing series with West Indies. The PCB is also collaborating with private partners to promote cricket at the school level. Senator Hassan addressed rumors of an ICC fine on PCB, which the PCB CEO dismissed as false. The committee was informed that Pakistan is set to host an international championship after 28 years, with all participating teams except India. Matches are scheduled in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, and the committee recommended upgrades to the Quetta cricket stadium.
The performance of the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) was also reviewed. The FPSC, comprising a Chairman and eleven members, handles recruitment for BS-16 and above positions. Concerns were raised about the subjective nature of interview marks for CSS exams, with suggestions to randomly select panel members for interviews. Senator Hassan emphasized the need for representation from South Punjab and requested data on CSS candidates from the region over the past decade.
The committee also examined “The Abandoned Properties (Management) (Amendment) Bill, 2024.” Senator Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan questioned amendments that conflict with the Public Financial Management Act, 2019. She raised concerns about funding for the Abandoned Properties Organization, which operates with deputationists. The committee plans to involve the Finance Ministry in future discussions.
Senator Shahadat Awan withdrew “The Service Tribunals (Amendment) Bill, 2024,” as it was linked to a previously withdrawn main bill.
Additionally, the committee addressed flood-related damages in Sindh and Balochistan, urging the NDMA to report on budget allocations for affected areas. They also discussed illegal LPG smuggling from Iran and Balochistan, noting health risks from mixing LPG with CO2. OGRA has initiated action against smuggling networks and proposed stricter penalties.
The meeting included Senators Saadia Abbasi, Amir Waliuddin Chisti, Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, and other officials from relevant departments.