The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology met at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Kamil Ali Agha to review measures aimed at strengthening quality control and consumer safety. Present were Senators Husna Bano, Dr. Muhammad Aslam Abro, Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan and Saeed Ahmed Hashmi, alongside Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi, senior ministry officials, and heads of regulatory bodies including PEC, PSQCA and PCSIR.
The Committee held detailed discussions on pre-shipment testing policy, smuggling of hazardous food items, the Quetta petroleum scandal, enforcement gaps, solar panel testing and ongoing institutional reforms. The chairman of PCSIR informed members that the federal cabinet has approved implementation of pre-shipment testing at borders, while the operational mechanism is still under design. Members reiterated that an effective pre-shipment testing regime is essential to prevent substandard and hazardous consignments from entering the market.
Federal Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi emphasized the need for swift processing once testing is complete, urging that consignments be cleared within 15 to 25 days where possible because of sensitive materials. Committee members warned that extended detention of goods risks financial loss to importers and serious public health consequences if contaminated products remain in circulation.
Officials briefed the Committee on the smuggling of substandard betel nut (supari) and gutka through sea and land routes, noting that spoiled products pose major health hazards including increased cancer risk. Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan urged a complete ban on gutka consumption, while PCSIR highlighted the need for stringent checks at the supply stage, explaining that illegal consignments often move from coastal landing points to factories before reaching consumers.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology updated the Committee on investigations into the Rs135 billion hazardous petroleum products scandal in Quetta, saying disciplinary action has been initiated against two serving officers and cases involving two retired officers were referred to the Federal Investigation Agency on October 15. Citing delays in the probe, the Committee directed the FIA to submit a response within ten days to ensure transparency and accountability.
Clarifying mandates, the Federal Minister noted that factory inspections are the responsibility of PSQCA, but members raised concerns that inspections sometimes result in illegal material being cleared rather than effectively enforced. The Committee was also informed about adulteration cases involving spices such as turmeric and the introduction of harmful substances in cosmetic products like kohl.
Chairman PEC Engineer Waseem Nazir briefed senators on institutional reforms, saying transfers were conducted on merit and announcing the Smart PEC initiative. Digital services developed with NADRA now enable online registration and issuance of engineering cards via Pak-Identity, with entire university batches registered online. PEC has also restructured internally and launched professional training programs to strengthen the engineering workforce.
PEC has rolled out a Generative Artificial Intelligence course targeting 45,000 engineers, with 15,000 already trained, and plans a Chartered Project Directors course in March–April 2026. Mutual recognition agreements for engineers have been signed with China and talks continue with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. A Graduate Engineer Trainee Program offering six months paid training with a monthly stipend of Rs. 50,000 was also announced to boost practical skills and employability.
On solar equipment, the Committee discussed mandatory testing of solar panels, inverters and batteries amid concerns over an influx of substandard products that threaten consumer safety and the environment. The Secretary reported that a Korea-assisted laboratory capable of performing at least 46 different tests on solar panels will soon be operational, a step seen as critical to protecting consumers and the renewable energy sector.
PSQCA officials updated members on standards for food, non-food and electrical items, noting recent introduction of nicotine testing standards and suspension or cancellation of licenses in violation cases. Regarding tea whitener, they confirmed it meets PSQCA criteria and, while it has no nutritional value, it does not present health risks within approved limits.
The Committee concluded by stressing strict enforcement of quality standards, timely implementation of approved policies such as pre-shipment testing, transparent investigations and closer coordination among regulatory bodies to safeguard public health, consumer rights and national interests.
