Senate Committee on Science & Technology advocates for enhanced research, quality standards & coastal erosion solutions

ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (SABAH): The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology, presided over by Senator Kamil Ali Agha, convened its session on Thursday at the Parliament House.

The meeting was attended by Senator Husna Bano, Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Senator Muhammad Aslam Abro, the Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, and senior officials from the concerned department.

The Committee held a comprehensive discussion on the implementation status of the recommendations made during its meeting on 25th September 2024. The Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology updated the Committee members, informing them that all funds for the Science Expo have been refunded to the respective firms and organizations. Secondly, regarding the PSQCA’s submission of a report on the number of cases where fines were imposed, the Chair suggested providing a comprehensive report on the department’s current activities. He expressed displeasure, stating that if the department remains inactive, it would be better to shut it down.

Senator Kamil Ali Agha added that the PSQCA was established in 1996, and after 28 years, no consideration has been given to the total expenditure on 31 inspectors. He also inquired about their remunerations and suggested digitizing the entire system. Regarding the compliance report for standards and quality assurance in the cement sector, the Chair recommended that the Attorney General handle it. Senator Kamil Ali Agha commented that this is not merely a matter of money; it concerns construction materials. He further emphasized that the government should ensure the protection of quality. Concerning the report on the restructuring process of STEDEC as IRADA, Senator Kamil Ali Agha also recommended expediting the process of restructuring STEDEC as IRADA.

The Committee held an in-depth discussion on the roles, functions, and performance of ongoing projects at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and the Council for Works and Housing Research (CWHR). Representatives from NIO also highlighted its international footprint, collaboration, and government-to-government (G2G) projects. The Chair appreciated NIO’s achievements and recommended further expediting its efforts. Similarly, during a detailed briefing by CWHR, the Chair recommended the restoration of multi-story buildings and emphasized that during rightsizing, employee rights must not be violated.

Senator Kamil Agha also stressed the importance of conducting laboratory tests, noting that the quality of construction materials and water in affected areas is crucial for the future of property buyers. Citing the situation in Faisal Town, the Chair pointed out that despite being developed and populated, the area suffers from water scarcity and poor material quality. He further recommended that testing facilities should be easily accessible and not located far away.

Additionally, the Committee discussed the status of sea intrusion and erosion along the coastal belt with NIO and its allied agencies. The Chair emphasized the need for solutions to address erosion, noting that oceanography plays a crucial role, especially as climate change and environmental degradation worsen over time. He further stressed that the unchecked dumping of filth into seawater is causing significant damage, and unless this issue is properly monitored and addressed, it could lead to severe consequences.

Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto highlighted that both Sindh and Balochistan are directly impacted. Acknowledging this, the Chair added that the entire country is being affected by these issues, and close monitoring is essential. The NIO representative mentioned that work on the retaining wall has already begun and specifically noted that the Sur Bunder area of Gwadar is being protected from sea intrusion by the retaining wall.

Lastly, during a detailed presentation on the implementation status of the National Science Technology Innovation Policy, 2022, the Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology recommended convening a joint meeting with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) due to the overlapping functions of both departments. In addition, the Chair informed the Committee that one of the key reasons for the failure of our departments is their frequent shutdown, while internationally, research departments are highly valued. He further suggested that private universities and all sectors must prioritize research, with efforts focused on motivating the younger generation to engage in it.