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A meeting of the Senate Functional Committee on Government Assurances was held under the Chairmanship of Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan to review the implementation status of assurances given by the Federal Government during House proceedings. The meeting was attended by Senators Umer Farooq and Kamil Ali Agha, while Senators Kamran Murtaza and Danesh Kumar attended as movers of the agenda items.

The Committee took up the matter regarding digital and online measures adopted by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to facilitate the registration of foreign-qualified doctors, along with the implementation of directions issued in the previous meeting. The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination informed the Committee that the registration process has now been fully digitized, eliminating human interaction, in compliance with the Committee’s instructions. The Chairman disposed off the matter and appreciated the Ministry’s efforts.

While discussing the issue of non-handing over of possession of plots in Sector I-12, Islamabad, despite clearance of dues by the allottees, and the status of development work of PHA apartments, the Committee expressed displeasure over the absence of the Minister for Interior and the Chairman CDA. Senator Danesh Kumar highlighted the continued non-attendance of the Chairman CDA and raised concerns over late submission of working papers and incomplete information. The Chairman directed the Ministry of Interior to ensure the presence of the Chairman CDA in the next meeting and deferred the agenda due to his absence and lack of complete information.

The Committee also deliberated on the regular disruption of 4G data and voice call services in Balochistan owing to security measures. While acknowledging the necessity of such steps, the Chairman urged that data and call packages be extended during prolonged outages. The Ministry of IT & Telecom assured that instructions have already been issued to telecom operators in this regard. Senator Kamran Murtaza questioned the existence of a legal framework governing such network shutdowns. The Chairman directed the Ministry to submit a compliance report on package extensions and clarify the legal provisions under which networks are disrupted.

Taking up the issue of allotment of plots in Green Enclave, Bharakaho Phase-I of the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA), the Committee expressed concern over the slow pace of possession process. It was noted that government employees invest their hopes and savings in such schemes, and making timely completion is essential. The Committee was informed that an FGEHA Board meeting is scheduled for the following day to finalize matters, including approval of a policy ensuring that additional costs are not passed on to allottees. The Chairman directed FGEHA to submit a report along with the completion timeline in the next meeting.

The Committee was briefed by the Ministry of National Health Services on the establishment of a Kidney Transplant Unit at PIMS. It was informed that major recruitment of doctors and staff has been completed through FPSC. The Committee urged expediting the remaining process and directed submission of a compliance report, including the date when the unit would become fully functional. The Committee was also apprised of the construction of a Cancer Hospital at PIMS, Islamabad. It was informed that 80% of the construction work has been completed, while installation of machinery would take another 6 to 9 months. The hospital is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2027. Expressing satisfaction over the initiative, the Chairman directed that half-yearly progress reports be submitted regularly.

The Chairman disposed of the matter related to Gwadar Airport, as it has become functional and a detailed report has been submitted. The Committee also discussed the increased air fares for Quetta and emphasized that subsidizing flight operations for less-privileged areas has been a long-standing practice. The Chairman urged aviation authorities to examine and resolve the issue. Furthermore, the Committee considered the matter of outsourcing airport services at Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad airports. It was informed that although the government intends to proceed with outsourcing, no active process is currently underway. Consequently, the Chairman disposed of the matter.