Karachi: The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, Thursday, stressed on further coordination and cooperation among the regulatory authorities, academia, private sector and core government departments to scale up the efforts for enhancing availability of quality seed and reinforce control and regularization of hemp industry for the economic benefit of the country.
The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, in a meeting at Sindh Secretariat Karachi, reviewed matters pertaining to Cannabis regulation and research, seed development, agricultural research, K-IV and other NESPAK projects and the functioning of public-sector institutions.
Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee Rana Mahmood ul Hassan presided over the meeting, attended by member Senators Atta ur Rehman, Saleem Mandviwalla, Mohammad Abdul Qadir and Amir Waliuddin Chishti while Senators Syed Waqar Mehdi and Dost Ali Jeesar participated in the meeting as special invitees.
Vice Chancellors of Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences Uthal, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture Multan, representatives of Arid Agriculture University, experts as well as officers of the Cabinet Division, Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority, National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority and National Engineering Services Pakistan attended the meeting.
The committee was briefed by the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA) on the regulatory and research framework for the development of the cannabis and hemp sector. The Authority was established to regulate cultivation and production, facilitate research through a dedicated laboratory and research center, and issue licenses for cultivation, processing and export in accordance with the law.
The committee was informed that CCRA had received 75 applications for licenses, which were under scrutiny and the vetting process for the licensing is set to complete by October 30, this year while the cutoff date for receiving license applications is fixed at November 30, 2026.
The Authority also highlighted its requirements in terms of funds and human resources. The briefing noted that hemp yarn was currently being imported from China and Brazil, while development of local cultivation and processing could reduce the import bill and provide an additional source of income for farmers. The industrial potential of hemp and cannabis in textiles, medicine and other sectors was also discussed.
Senator Rana Mehmood ul Hassan stressed the need to link agricultural universities with the Authority’s research and development activities. He also suggested involving Chambers of Commerce and relevant industries in the committee’s next discussion on cannabis to help develop stronger linkages between research, regulation and the market.
Senator Waqar Mehdi proposed representation of Vice Chancellors of agricultural universities on the Boards of Governors of relevant research centers, including those associated with cannabis research.
He also called for closer coordination between CCRA and enforcement agencies to address illegal cultivation and production and proposed a sub-committee to examine the Authority’s financial and staffing constraints.
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla observed that the purpose of the legislation and establishment of the Authority was to develop a regulated cannabis industry with the potential for exports. He expressed concern that progress had remained sluggish despite the passage of more than two years and noted that Pakistan, as an agricultural country, had scope to further explore the legitimate medical and industrial applications of cannabis.
The committee also considered matters relating to seed development and was briefed by Chairman National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA), Prof. Dr. Asif Ali. He informed the committee that the Authority was established through legislation in November 2024 to promote technologically advanced planting material, enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, improve farm incomes and support export growth.
Prof. Dr. Asif Ali emphasized the need for crop zoning according to climatic and soil conditions and highlighted the importance of soil testing for selecting suitable crops and improving yields. Senator Rana Mehmood ul Hassan stressed the need for adequate storage and timely availability of quality seed, particularly for staple crops.
Senator Atta ur Rehman proposed representation from Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan on the NSDRA Board of Governors, which was endorsed and recommended by the committee.
Senator Dost Ali Jeesar suggested approaching the Chief Minister of Sindh for enhanced special funding for Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam to support research and development of new varieties of local crops and seeds.
The committee also reviewed matters concerning National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK). It expressed reservations over the reported bypassing of senior employees in promotion cases and directed the Board to reconsider the matter in accordance with the applicable rules and seniority.
The committee further directed that employees found eligible for promotion after having been bypassed should be considered for the benefit from the relevant past dates under the rules.
The committee appreciated the progress on the Hyderabad component of the K-IV Augmentation Project, while expressing concern over delays in the overall project. NESPAK was directed to expedite the work in view of the growing water requirements of Karachi.
The NESPak executives informed the committee that over 70% physical and financial progress had been made on lot III of the K-IV project and efforts were underway to complete the NIPA-Hassan Square section by end November.
The meeting also considered the overlapping mandates of institutions engaged in public administration and training. The committee recommended formation of a sub-committee under Senator Saleem Mandviwalla to review the functioning of the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), National School of Public Policy and Civil Services Academy, examine areas of common mandate and propose measures, including possible rationalization or merger where appropriate, to improve institutional efficiency and avoid duplication.
The committee directed the concerned authorities to pursue the matters discussed and submit progress on the recommendations in its next meeting.