Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, led by Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan, convened a detailed session to examine a range of pressing issues, including customs enforcement and security challenges in Balochistan, LPG supply and pricing, substandard cylinders, and mobile phone taxation. The meeting addressed the recent fire at the Quetta Customs warehouse, border trade matters, and ongoing investigations by the Federal Investigation Agency.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee was briefed on the security challenges faced by customs officials in Balochistan, with over 30 attacks reported on LPG bowsers in Nushki. The committee was informed that while the situation has improved with enhanced security measures, significant financial losses continue due to these attacks. The Additional Inspector General of Police Balochistan highlighted ongoing efforts by law enforcement to secure transportation routes despite challenging terrain.
The committee also discussed the LPG supply gap, with an OGRA member noting the country’s daily consumption of 6,000 metric tonnes against a domestic production of 2,000 to 2,500 metric tonnes. Senator Abdul Qadir raised concerns about the distribution of LPG, advocating for an equitable division between northern and southern regions. The committee was informed about the pricing challenges faced by importers due to policy-related issues, with LPG currently sold above the ideal market price.
Concerns over substandard LPG cylinders were raised, with proposed amendments to increase penalties for the sale of such cylinders. The committee also reviewed the fire at the Quetta Customs warehouse, noting discrepancies in reports regarding its cause. The Chairman directed that detailed briefings be provided to resolve these discrepancies.
The meeting addressed border trade issues, urging consistent measures with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and stressing the importance of trade with neighboring countries. Discussions on mobile phone taxation revealed a lack of differentiation in tax treatment for new and old phones, with the Chairman cautioning that the tax structure could impede 5G rollout.
The committee also examined the integration of biometric verification systems, urging NADRA to support PTA’s initiatives. The need for improved law enforcement, consumer protection, and inter-agency coordination was emphasized to tackle issues impacting public safety, energy supply, and revenue collection.
Officials from Customs, OGRA, Police, PTA, FBR, and FIA, alongside representatives from the LPG sector, attended the meeting.