Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research on Tuesday met under the chairmanship of Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan and reviewed irregularities in the recruitment process of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and National Wheat Policy.
The committee also reviewed National Oilseed Policy, tobacco cultivation and the issue of alleged bogus VRI vaccination in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said a press release.
The meeting was attended by Senator Poonjo Bheel and Senator Sardar Al Haj Muhammad Umer Gorgaij.
The committee unanimously confirmed the minutes of its previous meeting. An agenda item regarding starred questions was deferred on the request of the movers.
While examining alleged irregularities in PARC’s recruitment process, the committee expressed serious concern over the non-submission of the required written reply and relevant record.
The committee was informed that the matter is sub judice, certain accused officers have been suspended and an inquiry under the Efficiency and Disciplinary Rules is underway.
The chairman directed that the inquiry be concluded on an urgent basis and a comprehensive report be submitted to the committee at the earliest.
The committee also discussed the issue of candidates who had applied against PARC vacancies but were now approaching the upper age limit.
The committee recommended a mechanism to allow overage candidates to apply in future PARC recruitment drives to safeguard their interests.
Members further stressed that the prescribed provincial quota should be implemented for all posts, including lower-grade positions.
The committee was informed that the required codal formalities for implementation of the provincial quota had been completed and the quota would be ensured.
Discussion on tobacco cultivation was deferred on the request of the mover. The committee was informed that consultations with the provinces were underway on the National Wheat Policy.
Further discussion was deferred due to the absence of relevant officials. The chairman directed that all concerned officers be present at the next meeting and provide a comprehensive briefing on the policy.
The committee was also briefed on the National Oilseed Policy. It was informed that Pakistan’s edible oil import bill has been increasing significantly and that the federal government is planning measures to enhance domestic oilseed production, with particular focus on olive cultivation.
Senator Syed Mansoor Ahsan expressed concern over the challenges facing domestic edible oil production and called for practical measures to promote local production.
He directed the ministry to submit a comprehensive report covering progress made during the last three years, PSDP projects, initiatives relating to olive oil production and future plans for enhancing domestic oilseed production.
The chairman emphasized that policy formulation should be accompanied by concrete, result-oriented measures to reduce Pakistan’s dependence on imported edible oil and strengthen domestic agricultural production.
The committee also sought a detailed briefing on the issue of alleged bogus VRI vaccination in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and deferred discussion.
