News Detail
Event Title: Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat Meets at Sindh Secretariat Karachi
Event Date: 2026-09-17
The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat met at the Sindh Secretariat, Karachi, on Thursday and reviewed matters relating to Cannabis regulation and Research, seed development, agricultural research, NESPAK projects and the functioning of public-sector institutions.
The meeting was chaired by Senator Rana Mehmood ul Hassan and attended by Senators Dost Ali Jeesar, Syed Mohammad Waqar Mehdi, Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Amir Waliuddin Chishti, Saleem Mandviwalla and Atta ur Rehman. Vice Chancellors of eight agricultural universities, including Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Lasbela Agriculture University, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, representatives of Arid Agriculture University, officials of the Cabinet Division and other experts.
The committee was first briefed by the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA) on the regulatory and research framework for the development of the cannabis and hemp sector. The Authority was established to regulate cultivation and production, facilitate research through a dedicated laboratory and research centre, and issue licences for cultivation and export in accordance with the law.
The committee was informed that CCRA had received 75 applications for licences, which were under vetting. The Authority also highlighted its requirements in terms of funds and human resources. The briefing noted that hemp yarn was currently being imported from China and Brazil, while development of local cultivation and processing could reduce the import bill and provide an additional source of income for farmers. The industrial potential of hemp and cannabis in textiles, medicine and other sectors was also discussed.
Senator Rana Mehmood ul Hassan stressed the need to link agricultural universities with the Authority's research and development activities. He also suggested involving Universities, HEC, Chambers of Commerce and relevant industries in the committee's next discussion on cannabis to help develop stronger linkages between research, regulation and the market.
Senator Waqar Mehdi proposed representation of Vice Chancellors of agricultural universities on the Boards of Governors of relevant research centres, including those associated with cannabis research. He also called for closer coordination between CCRA and enforcement agencies to address illegal cultivation and production, and proposed a sub-committee to examine the Authority's financial and staffing constraints.
The same was endorsed and recommended by Chairman of the committee.
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla observed that the purpose of the legislation and establishment of the Authority was to develop a regulated cannabis industry with the potential for exports. He expressed concern that progress had remained limited despite the passage of more than two years and noted that Pakistan, as an agricultural country, had scope to further explore the legitimate medical and industrial applications of cannabis.
The committee then considered matters relating to seed development and was briefed by Chairman National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA), Prof. Dr. Asif Ali. He informed the committee that the Authority was established through legislation in November 2024 to promote technologically advanced planting material, enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, improve farm incomes and support export growth.
Prof. Dr. Asif Ali emphasised the need for crop zoning according to climatic and soil conditions and highlighted the importance of soil testing for selecting suitable crops and improving yields. Senator Rana Mehmood ul Hassan stressed the need for adequate storage and timely availability of quality seed, particularly for staple crops.
Senator Atta ur Rehman proposed representation from Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan on the NSDRA Board of Governors, which was endorsed and recommended by the committee. Senator Dost Ali Jeesar suggested approaching the Chief Minister of Sindh for enhanced special funding for Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam to support research and development of local crops and seeds.
Committee recommended to approach Chief Ministers to grant special funding to the Universities in the domain of research.
The committee also reviewed matters concerning National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK). It expressed reservations over the reported bypassing of senior employees in promotion cases and directed the Board to reconsider the matter in accordance with the applicable rules and seniority. The committee further directed that employees found eligible for promotion after having been bypassed should be considered for the benefit from the relevant past dates under the rules.
The committee appreciated the progress on the Hyderabad component of the K-IV Augmentation Project, while expressing concern over delays in the overall project. NESPAK was directed to expedite the work in view of the growing water requirements of Karachi.
The meeting also considered the overlapping mandates of institutions engaged in public administration and training. The committee recommended formation of a sub-committee under Senator Saleem Mandviwalla to review the functioning of the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), National School of Public Policy and Civil Services Academy, examine areas of common mandate and propose measures, including possible rationalisation or merger where appropriate, to improve institutional efficiency and avoid duplication.
The committee directed the concerned authorities to pursue the matters discussed and submit progress on the recommendations in its next meeting.