Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology, chaired by Senator Kamil Ali Agha, convened at Parliament House to examine a range of legislative, regulatory, and administrative matters. The discussions centered on public health, food safety, and the governance of organizations under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Key topics included the review of “The Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2025” and the regulation of betel nut imports.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee considered the proposed amendment bill introduced by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, which aims to regulate high-sugar and high-caffeine beverages in Islamabad, particularly among children. Concerns about the bill’s legal scope were raised, prompting suggestions to amend existing laws instead of creating new ones. The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority highlighted potential conflicts with established standards.

The committee also addressed the widespread consumption of energy drinks among youth, calling for a comprehensive analysis of their ingredients. Discussions extended to the inspection of betel nuts, with emphasis on preventing fungal contamination. It was noted that a large proportion of betel nuts enter Pakistan through smuggling, complicating enforcement efforts.

Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto highlighted the economic impact of the betel nut trade, while the Federal Minister for Science and Technology outlined current import testing procedures. Concerns were raised over the integrity of testing certifications, with recommendations for more stringent post-import inspections.

Administrative issues were also on the agenda, including the tenure of the Director General of the Pakistan Halal Authority and the restructuring of organizations under the ministry. The committee reviewed the closure and merger of entities like the Pakistan Council of Renewable Energy Technologies (PCRET) and the Council for Works and Housing Research (CWHR), with assurances that affected employees would retain employment within the ministry.

The appointment process for heads of various organizations was scrutinized, with ongoing efforts to regularize appointments and ensure candidates meet eligibility criteria. The committee called for expedited decisions to resolve ongoing uncertainties affecting the professional futures of long-serving employees.