ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee was compelled to postpone its crucial meeting on Monday due to the absence of Commerce Minister Jam Kamal and Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul to discuss trade issues aimed at enhancing economic cooperation with regional countries.

Members of parliament condemned the no-show as a sign of disregard for parliamentary oversight, expressing frustration over the repeated absence of top officials from important legislative proceedings.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce, chaired by Jawed Hanif Khan, convened at Parli­am­ent House to discuss key trade matters.

The agenda included deliberations on the Strategic Trade Policy Framework, the State Bank of Pakistan’s support for kinno (orange) exports through the Iran land route, and a review of sub-committee reports on sugar, natural resources, and gemstones.

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2025