NA Standing Committee on Science and Technology meeting called off due to key officials’ absence

ISLAMABAD: The 5th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Science and Technology was canceled on Friday due to the absence of key officials, sparking unanimous dissatisfaction among attendees.

The session, chaired by MNA Khawaja Sheraz Mehmood, was set to address crucial agenda items, including a detailed briefing by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) on its performance over the past three years.

The planned discussion aimed to review the Authority’s achievements, challenges in promoting technological innovation, operational framework, resource management, and structural hurdles affecting its efficiency.

Despite the critical nature of the agenda, no progress could be made due to the absence of the concerned Secretary. The committee expressed strong displeasure, emphasizing that such absences undermine the significance of National Assembly Standing Committees, which play a vital role in oversight and accountability.

In a unanimous decision, the committee resolved that future meetings would not proceed unless both the Secretary and the Minister of Science and Technology were present. The committee further recommended that the Minister personally attend all upcoming sessions to expedite the resolution of pending issues.

Members highlighted that the absence of key officials not only disrespects the sanctity of the forum but also obstructs the committee’s ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Shahnaz Saleem Malik, Seema Mohiuddin Jamili, Ramesh Lal, Mahtab Akbar Rashid, Sadiq Iftikhar, Sher Afzal Khan, Khurram Shahzad Virk, Mian Ghous Mohammad, Muhammad Moazzam Ali Khan, along with senior officers from the Ministry of Science and Technology and PSQCA.

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