Senate Committee on Science and Technology Deliberates Key Bills and Innovations

Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology, chaired by Senator Kamil Ali Agha, convened at Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges to review several significant initiatives, including the Pakistan Halal Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the progress of the National Institute of Electronics (NIE).

According to Senate of Pakistan, the session featured a discussion on the proposed enhancements to the Pakistan Halal Authority, as presented by Senator Dr. Zarqa Suharwardhy. The amendments aim to bolster the authority’s enforcement of Halal standards, with a focus on recruitment and operational efficacy, where only 38 of the sanctioned 100 positions are currently filled. The committee stressed the need for specific qualifications for inspectors to improve the PHA’s functionality.

The meeting also spotlighted the achievements of the National Institute of Electronics. Acting Director General Zawar Hussain outlined NIE’s pivotal role in electronics, showcasing developments like processor chips and an electric vehicle kit for small cars. The committee applauded these innovations and pushed for commercialization to benefit the broader population. Additionally, a revision of service fees was suggested to aid NIE’s path to self-sufficiency.

Furthermore, the economic potential of cannabis was another critical topic discussed. Chairman PCSIR Dr. Syed Hussain Abidi highlighted the substantial global market for medicinal cannabis, estimated at $30 billion, and noted PCSIR’s developments in cannabis-based products. The establishment of the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA) was acknowledged as a significant step towards tapping into this lucrative market.

The committee also expressed concern over the underutilization of funds for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) projects by the Pakistan Science Foundation, with only 10% of the allocated resources used due to restrictions on equipment purchases.

The next meeting is expected to include a detailed briefing on the restructuring of STEDEC into IRADA, indicating ongoing efforts to refine science and technology governance and infrastructure in Pakistan.

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