Press Release Title: Senator Saleem Mandviwalla presiding over a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat at Parliament House Islamabad

Press Release Date: 12th May, 2026

‎The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat was presided over by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla to deliberate on a wide range of matters relating to civil service reforms, governance, regulation, and institutional transparency. ‎ ‎The meeting was attended by Senator Saadia Abbasi, Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, and Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir, while Senator Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan participated virtually via Zoom. Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro, Senator Jan Muhammad, and Senator Saifullah Abro also attended the meeting as movers of agenda items. ‎ ‎The Committee discussed a Calling Attention Notice regarding the government’s reported decision to appoint Principal Accounting Officers (PAOs) from the private sector. The Committee observed that, under the constitutional framework, PAOs perform a pivotal role in the day-to-day administration of Ministries and Divisions and act as custodians of public accountability and financial discipline. The Secretary, Establishment Division, informed the Committee that no such appointments had been made. However, taking serious notice of advertisements issued in this regard, the Committee strongly recommended that no appointment of PAOs from the private sector be made in violation of the law. ‎ ‎The Committee also reviewed a consumer complaint against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited regarding an excessive gas bill amounting to Rs. 700,000 issued to a domestic consumer. The Committee questioned the conduct of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority in handling the appeal and directed the Secretary, Establishment Division, to personally examine the matter and ensure its resolution. ‎ ‎Discussion on measures to ensure the due share of provinces in all federal services and corporations was referred to the Senate Functional Committee on Devolution as the appropriate forum. ‎ ‎The Committee also deliberated on Starred Question No. 67 regarding the latest Warrants of Precedence. Members highlighted the need for revision following the creation of new offices such as the Chief of Defence Forces and Deputy Prime Minister, as well as the abolition of certain redundant positions. It was informed that the matter had been referred to the Prime Minister’s Office. The Chair directed that the issue be finalized within two weeks after considering the Committee’s recommendations. ‎ ‎The Committee further discussed matters relating to the Civil Service Examination, including the induction mechanism, selection criteria, and the high failure ratio in CSS examinations. Concerns were raised regarding reports circulating on social media alleging unusually high interview marks awarded to recent CSS toppers. The FPSC representative informed the Committee that detailed marks are disclosed only to the candidates concerned. However, the Committee directed the relevant authorities to submit a detailed written reply along with complete results in the next meeting. ‎ ‎The Committee also took up the prolonged delay in approval of 11 KV Vacuum Circuit Breakers. NEPRA informed the Committee that a decision is expected by the end of the current month. However, the Committee deferred further discussion and directed that all relevant stakeholders be invited to the next meeting. ‎ ‎A detailed briefing was also given by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority regarding tariff determination, capacity payments, energy payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and extensions granted to IPPs beyond the expiry of their contractual terms. The Committee expressed serious concern over the rising cost of electricity and took notice of alleged over-invoicing, extensions beyond agreed timelines, and the absence of an effective mechanism for periodic verification of actual generation capacity by the regulator. The Chair emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into all IPPs and directed NEPRA to submit a detailed comparative report on capacity payments, energy payments, and extensions granted. ‎ ‎The Committee also considered the matter relating to the protection of service rights of regularized civil servants, referred by Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani. The Committee was informed that, following judgments of the Islamabad High Court and Supreme Court, it is now a settled legal position that regularized employees in BS-16 and above must qualify through FPSC examinations. The matter was subsequently disposed of. ‎ ‎The Committee further received a comprehensive briefing from the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission on its functioning, transparency measures, financial management, selection criteria, third-party evaluation mechanisms, and performance outcomes. Officials informed the Committee that NAVTTC has significantly expanded skill development opportunities for youth through greater private sector engagement. However, concerns were raised regarding funding constraints. The Committee recommended that NAVTTC explore additional funding avenues through international institutions, including the World Bank and the ADB, utilize EDF funds effectively, and ensure quality assurance, accreditation, and transparency in certification processes.