ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Science and Technology on Monday directed the government to appoint permanent heads of key institutions of the ministry.

The meeting was presided over by MNA Khawaja Sheraz Mehmood.

The meeting’s agenda included a comprehensive briefing by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), which reviewed the authority’s past three years’ performance.

The presentation highlighted PSQCA’s achievements, challenges in achieving its objectives—particularly in technology, innovation, and industrial collaboration — and provided an overview of its operational setup, resource allocation, and structural challenges.

The Standing Committee on Science and Technology stressed the appointment of a permanent Director General (DG) of PSQCA as permanent leadership is critical for the efficient functioning of the authority.

The committee emphasised the need to address this issue promptly.

Furthermore, the committee expressed dissatisfaction over not appointing permanent heads in other key institutions under the ministry of science and technology.

It urged the ministry to expedite the appointment process, emphasising that improved governance and institutional performance rely on permanent leadership.

The committee also recommended that the minister of science and technology attend all future committee meetings to ensure productive discussions and meaningful outcomes.

The standing committee reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s science and technology sector by addressing governance challenges and ensuring effective management of related institutions.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Mohammad Afzal (via Zoom), Shahnaz Saleem Malik, Irfan Ali Leghari, Ramesh Lal, Sher Afzal Khan, Khurram Shahzad Virk, Mian Ghous Mohammad, and Mohammad Moazzam Ali Khan, along with senior officers from the Ministry of Science and Technology and PSQCA.

Published in Dawn, January 7th, 2025