News Detail
Event Title: Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan Chairman Senate Functional Committee on Government Assurances presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament Lodges, Islamabad
Event Date: 2025-12-10
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Government Assurances was held today in Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges, Islamabad, under the chairmanship of Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan. The meeting was attended by Senator Kamran Murtaza, Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro, Senator Umar Farooq, Senator Danish Kumar, Senator Anusha Rehman Ahmad Khan and Senator Kamil Ali Agha.
The Committee first considered the assurance given by the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination during the Senate sitting held on 26 January 2023, in response to a question by Senator Waleed Iqbal regarding the establishment of a Kidney Transplant Unit in PIMS. It was informed that while the infrastructure is available, the unit remains non-functional due to the retirement of senior specialists. The matter of new appointments has been referred to the Federal Public Service Commission, and the Chair directed that representatives of the FPSC attend the next meeting.
The assurance given during the Senate sitting on 06 September 2023, in response to a question by Senator Anusha Rehman Ahmad Khan regarding digital and online measures adopted by PMDC for facilitating the registration of foreign-qualified doctors, was also reviewed. Senator Anusha Rehman expressed concern over delays in correspondence and processing. The Chairman directed the Ministry to submit a detailed report in the next meeting.
The Committee then examined the assurance given by the Minister for Interior during the Senate sitting held on 17 January 2025, in response to a question by Senator Danish Kumar regarding the non-handing over of possession of plots in Sector I-12, Islamabad, despite clearance of dues by allottees, as well as the status of development work around PHA apartments. The Chairman directed that the Chairman CDA be called and a written reply be submitted at least two working days before the next meeting.
The assurance given by the Federal Minister for IT & Telecom during the Senate sitting held on 4 August 2022, in response to a question raised by Senator Kamran Murtaza regarding non-availability of 4G data and voice call services in Dheri Mera, UC Salhad, District Abbottabad, was also considered. It was informed that USF launched the NG-BSD Abbottabad Lot project in March 2025 to provide voice and high-speed broadband (4G) services in unserved and underserved areas of Abbottabad, including three locations in Dheri Mera. The Contract has been awarded and will be completed before October, 2026.
The Committee further considered the assurance given during the Senate sitting held on 25 October 2024, in response to a question asked by Senator Haji Hidayatullah Khan regarding the non-transmission of lab reports online by Federal Government Hospitals in Islamabad despite the availability of requisite facilities. The matter was disposed of after the Ministry submitted a satisfactory written reply confirming compliance.
The assurance given in response to a question by Senator Mushtaq Ahmed during the Senate sitting held on 8 February 2022 regarding the increasing number of HIV/AIDS patients in Pakistan was also reviewed. The Ministry informed that the rise in reported cases reflects expanded nationwide screening and improved access to treatment rather than an actual increase in spread. It was reported that 94 Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) centres are providing free diagnostic and treatment services. The matter was disposed of.
The Committee also discussed the assurance given during the Senate sitting held on 25 October 2024, in response to a question by Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani regarding the proposal for establishing a Cancer Hospital at PIMS. The Ministry informed that infrastructure development is planned for completion by 30 June 2026. The Chairman directed representatives from CDA and the Planning Division to attend the next meeting for further explanation.
The assurance given by the Minister for Aviation during the Senate sitting held on 10 November 2023, in response to a question by Senator Dr. Zarqa Suharwardy regarding reports on outsourcing operations of three Pakistan International Airports, was also considered. The Ministry of Defence clarified that no airport has been outsourced to date. The Chairman directed that a detailed report be submitted in the next meeting.
The meeting concluded with directions for all concerned departments and ministries to furnish the required reports and ensure their attendance in the next session of the Committee.