News Detail

A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology was held under the chairmanship of Senator Kamil Ali Agha. The meeting was attended by Senators Saeed Ahmed Hashmi, Husna Bano, Muhammad Aslam Abro, Nasir Mehmood, Faisal Javed, and other officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology, COMSATS University, and PCSIR.

The Committee was apprised regarding allegations of chemical contamination in betel nut samples, particularly involving aflatoxin, a compound linked to cancer. Reports submitted were found to contain irregularities, with actual contamination values misrepresented in official documents. Senator Nasir Mehmood sharply questioned the concerned parties about the potential health risks and demanded accountability for those responsible for altering the results. After detailed deliberations, the Chairman directed that the agenda item be deferred until the next meeting, in order to await the report currently under consideration with the Chairman PCSIR. It was observed that the Chairman PCSIR is presently abroad, and the matter will be decided once he returns and the letter is formally received to the Committee.

The Committee was also briefed on the inquiry into a Rs135 billion tax scam, following widespread media reports. Officials informed that the Inquiry Committee’s report had been submitted, and Show Cause Notices were issued to the accused employees. The accused were provided an opportunity of personal hearing before the imposition of penalties by the Competent Authority, the Chairman PCSIR,  in accordance with PCSIR C&D Rules, 1981. Penalties have been imposed on the concerned employees. Furthermore, officials apprised that in order to initiate criminal proceedings and conduct investigations at a larger scale, PCSIR has decided to refer the entire case to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) through the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), nominating both serving and retired employees involved.

Members also discussed the findings of a study on solar extremes, emphasizing Pakistan’s growing vulnerability to their adverse impacts. The Committee was informed that widespread deforestation is a key factor aggravating environmental challenges in the country. Experts additionally briefed Members on the phenomenon of cloudbursts, explaining their causes and potential consequences. Senators underscored the urgent need for effective reforestation initiatives and comprehensive strategies to mitigate the risks associated with such environmental hazards.

The Committee reviewed the delayed progress on the establishment of a new COMSATS University campus in Quetta, a project initially approved in 2016. Members expressed concern over prolonged delays caused by funding shortfalls, stressing that such setbacks undermine efforts to expand higher education opportunities in Balochistan. The Committee strongly recommended the immediate allocation of the required funds to ensure timely completion of the project.

Additionally, the issues pertaining to COMSATS University Islamabad also came under discussion. These included the prolonged ad-hoc administrative setup and the urgent need for appointment of permanent officials to statutory positions (Rector, Pro-Rectors, Campus Directors, Registrar, Treasurer, and Controller of Examinations); the replacement of the existing OG/SG system with the national Basic Pay Scale (BPS) to ensure parity and equitable compensation for faculty and staff; and the establishment of transparency and accountability in the management of statutory funds, as highlighted by the AGP Audit Report 2017–18.

Moreover, University officials apprised the Committee that the University Senate has constituted a three-member Sub-Committee to examine these matters and propose solutions. It was further informed that audits of COMSATS University have been conducted from time to time. The Chairman directed that point-wise responses from COMSATS University be presented in the next meeting for further consideration.