ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) has suspended several officers over their alleged involvement in irregularities in the organisation’s recruitment process, senior officials of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research informed a Senate committee on Tuesday.

The officials told the Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research that an inquiry under the Efficiency and Disciplinary Rules had also been initiated against the officers. The committee was further informed that the matter was currently sub judice.

The meeting, chaired by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, was attended by Senator Poonjo Bheel and Senator Sardar Al Haj Muhammad Umer Gorgaij.

The committee expressed serious concern over the failure to submit the required written reply and relevant record concerning the alleged recruitment irregularities. Members also discussed the plight of candidates who had applied for PARC vacancies but were now approaching the upper age limit.

The committee recommended exploring a mechanism that would allow such candidates to participate in future PARC recruitment drives even if they subsequently exceed the prescribed age limit, in order to protect their interests.

Members also stressed that the prescribed provincial quota must be implemented across all posts, including lower-grade positions. Officials said the required codal formalities for implementing the provincial quota had been completed and assured the committee that the quota would be enforced.

The committee was also briefed on the National Oilseed Policy and the country’s growing edible oil import bill. Officials said the federal government was planning measures to increase domestic oilseed production, with particular emphasis on olive cultivation.

Senator Ahsan expressed concern over the challenges confronting domestic edible oil production and called for practical steps to boost local output.

He directed the ministry to submit a comprehensive report covering progress made over the past three years, PSDP projects, initiatives related to olive oil production and future plans to increase domestic oilseed production.­

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2026