ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Science and Technology was abruptly called off on Wednesday due to the absence of the science and technology secretary.

Presided over by MNA Khawaja Sheraz Mehmood, the meeting was expected to address critical matters regarding the performance and challenges faced by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA).

The agenda included a comprehensive briefing on PSQCA’s achievements over the last three years, operational challenges, and its role in fostering technological innovation and industrial collaboration. However, frustration over the secretary’s absence led to the cancellation of the session before any discussions could take place.

Members of the committee expressed unanimous displeasure, emphasising that the National Assembly standing committees represented the highest parliamentary forum. “The absence of the secretary is a direct affront to the authority of this committee. Such nonprofessional behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated,” the chairperson stated.

In a strongly worded decision, the committee resolved that no future meetings would proceed without the presence of the secretary, Sajid Baloch.

The members also recommended that the minister for science and technology be summoned to attend all upcoming sessions to ensure accountability and commitment.

The disruption sparked concerns over bureaucratic apathy, with members criticising the lack of seriousness shown by the ministry.

“Today’s agenda was crucial, and this kind of negligence undermines the functioning of this committee and the progress of vital national issues,” a member added.

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

The committee reiterated its stance that future discussions must not only involve the secretary but also the minister to ensure effective dialogue and resolution of pressing issues. Members warned that continued bureaucratic negligence could severely impact the performance and accountability of critical institutions like PSQCA.

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2024