ISLAMABAD: In a move aimed at bolstering the efficiency of Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce, the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet, chaired by Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan, has called for an overhaul of the existing organizational structure within the Commerce and Trade Group. The committee underscores the necessity of appointing trained commerce professionals to key positions to meet the country’s ambitious export targets.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee convened a meeting attended by several senators and senior officials, including the Federal Minister for Commerce and the Secretary of the Establishment Division. The discussion focused on the hierarchical structure, which has been governed by rules established in 1994. Concerns were raised about the prevalent practice of staffing key positions in the Ministry of Commerce with officers from various other ministries and departments, rather than from the Commerce and Trade Group itself.
The committee noted that this staffing approach has adversely affected the ministry’s operational efficiency and has been demotivating for commerce professionals. It was highlighted that to achieve the Prime Minister’s target of increasing exports to USD 25 billion, it is crucial to involve professionals with expertise in commerce. The current practice of appointing officers from unrelated backgrounds, such as Customs and the IRS, to senior positions was deemed suboptimal for effective policy-making.
The Minister for Commerce acknowledged the issue, emphasizing the importance of aligning the ministry’s staffing practices with its objectives. The committee recommended revising the 1994 rules to reflect current trade and export goals and stressed the need for foreign postings to be primarily allocated to Commerce Group officers. A sub-committee will be formed to examine the matter further and propose specific recommendations.
The committee also urged the Ministry of Commerce and the Establishment Division to collaborate with stakeholders to develop an updated policy framework, ensuring that the interests of the Commerce and Trade Group are preserved and strengthened.