NA panel slams absence of minister, secretary

Lawmakers directed that minutes of all cabinet committee meetings on USC be shared to assess past decisions

By Our Correspondent

February 25, 2025

National Assembly during a session in Islamabad. — APP/File

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on Industries and Production on Monday expressed strong displeasure over the absence of the minister and secretary from a crucial meeting, highlighting concerns over policy execution and accountability.

Chaired by MNA Syed Hafeezuddin, the committee stressed the importance of ministerial presence in discussions regarding public sector matters. Lawmakers directed that minutes of all cabinet committee meetings on Utility Stores Corporation (USC) be shared to assess past decisions.

The committee also took up the issue of recent layoffs at the USC, demanding a comprehensive list of terminated employees. Lawmakers raised concerns over job security in the state-run utility network, which provides essential commodities to low-income segments. The committee called for an urgent review of the terminations.

A key agenda item was the ongoing dispute over K-Electric’s subsidy to Karachi-based industries during the Covid-19 period. A representative from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) briefed lawmakers on a regulatory ruling against K-Electric, with the matter currently pending in the Islamabad High Court. The committee directed the Power Division, NEPRA, and K-Electric to engage with stakeholders, including industries, to reach a mediated resolution.

Another pressing concern was non-implementation of the government’s minimum wage policy. MNA Rafiullah pointed out that despite official directive setting the minimum wage at Rs37,000 per month, many industrial units — particularly in Export Processing Zones (EPZs) — continue to pay below this threshold. Even the cafeteria within Parliament was cited for non-compliance.

The committee resolved to raise the issue in the National Assembly, urging strict enforcement of wage laws to protect workers from exploitation. Lawmakers stressed that failure to implement the wage policy undermines labour rights and exacerbates economic hardship for low-income workers.

The meeting was attended by several MNAs, senior ministry officials, and representatives from NEPRA and K-Electric, with discussions concluding on the need for urgent reforms and enforcement measures.