NA panel wants permanent heads for key institutions

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Science and Technology has expressed dissatisfaction with no permanent heads in key institutions under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The committee’s meeting held under the chair of Sheraz Mehmood at the Parliament House here on Monday reviewed the performance of the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority over the past three years. The committee urged the ministry to expedite the appointment process, emphasizing that improved governance and institutional performance relied on having permanent leadership in place.

A presentation highlighted PSQCA achievements, challenges in achieving its objectives, particularly in technology, innovation and industrial collaboration, and provided an overview of its operational setup, resource allocation and structural challenges. It stressed the appointment of a permanent director general (DG) of the PSQCA. It pledged to continue efforts to enhance the performance and accountability of institutions under the ministry, recognizing their vital role in the country’s socio-economic development.

The meeting was attended by Muhammad Afzal (via Zoom), Shahnaz Saleem Malik, Irfan Ali Leghari, Ramesh Lal, Sher Afzal Khan, Khurram Shahzad Virk, Mian Ghous Mohammad and Moazzam Ali Khan, along with senior officers.