Field Marshal Asim Munir to visit Tehran tomorrow

Islamabad: A major agriculture research project aimed at improving Pakistan’s date production has faced a setback after the proposed Dates Research Centre in Khairpur was excluded from the Public Sector Development Programme 2026 and 2027, prompting the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research to demand immediate reconsideration of the decision. The committee expressed concern that a project designed to improve date farming, develop disease-resistant varieties, increase exports and support farmers was left out due to financial limitations. The matter was discussed during the 29th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, chaired by Syed Hussain Tariq, MNA, at Parliament House Islamabad. Officials informed the committee that the joint project of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur for establishing the Dates Research Centre could not be included in the PSDP 2026 and 2027 because of limited financial resources. The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives informed the committee that the Ministry of National Food Security and Research had prioritized only three new development schemes for inclusion in the national development programme, leaving several important projects outside the plan. The committee strongly disagreed with the decision and highlighted the importance of the dates sector for Pakistan’s agriculture and economy. Members noted that Pakistan is among the leading date producers, and a dedicated research centre could help farmers increase production, fight crop diseases, improve quality, develop new varieties and boost the country’s share in international markets. The committee directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to formally approach the Ministry of Planning and request a review of the decision. The committee also decided to seek a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss establishing the Dates Research Centre through cooperation between the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur. During the proposed meeting with the Prime Minister, the committee also plans to discuss other major agriculture challenges including wheat imports, setting a fair minimum support price for wheat, providing DAP fertilizer subsidies similar to regional countries and investigating reasons behind wheat shortages despite earlier reports of surplus stocks. The committee said agricultural development requires long term planning and research facilities to support farmers and improve food security. The meeting also reviewed concerns regarding artificial sweeteners and flavored drinks, especially their possible health effects on children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Officials informed the committee that earlier recommendations were made after findings from the National Institutes of Health highlighted possible health risks linked with excessive consumption of such products. The committee was informed that frequent consumption of artificial sweeteners and flavoured drinks may contribute to health problems, including an increased risk of diabetes and other serious diseases. The committee expressed dissatisfaction over delays in implementing earlier recommendations and directed the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority to urgently review existing regulations. PSQCA was directed to hold a meeting in Islamabad involving committee members, health officials, NIH representatives, mango growers and other stakeholders. The committee instructed that revised standards should include clear product labels, prevention of misleading claims, visible health warnings, proper expiry date information, suitable fruit pulp requirements and regulations for plastic bottle usage. The National Institutes of Health was also directed to provide scientific evidence regarding health impacts and international guidelines to help improve the regulatory framework.

Islamabad: The Senate Sub Committee on Petroleum has expressed serious concern over a delay of more than 20 years in providing gas to localities within five kilometers of Pakistan’s gas fields, highlighting administrative lapses despite directives from the Prime Minister and the Supreme Court. The Sub Committee, chaired by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan Dharejo, called for accountability of the authorities responsible for failing to implement these binding instructions, particularly in Ghotki, one of the country’s major gas producing and densely populated districts. During the session, MNA and subcommittee members reviewed the progress of gasification projects, noting that out of 57 villages identified in Ghotki, only 42 fall within the five kilometer radius of gas fields. Despite being included in earlier phases of the project in 2021, several schemes remain incomplete. Senator Haji Hidayatullah also raised concerns about ungasified localities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasizing that many eligible areas were still awaiting service. Officials informed the committee that approximately Rs670 million is required to complete gasification in Ghotki, while around Rs1 billion may be made available in phases. The funding will be released as a grant and not through the PSDP, with the Petroleum Ministry responsible for preparing a phased implementation mechanism. The committee instructed the Ministry to present a comprehensive plan within a week, detailing timelines, responsibilities, and funding strategies to ensure full compliance with Supreme Court orders. The Sub Committee criticized inconsistent and potentially misleading information previously provided by the Director General (Gas), Petroleum Division. The matter has been referred to the Senate Committee on Privileges to ensure future information is accurate, complete, and supported by official records. Additionally, the absence of the OGRA Chairman, despite prior directions to attend, was strongly noted. The committee decided to inform the Cabinet Division and request his presence at the next meeting to provide viable solutions. The Managing Director of SSGC briefed the committee that Rs480 million had been used in accordance with existing subsidy and tariff provisions, but emphasized the need for a structured, transparent mechanism to ensure funds reach the intended localities. The Sub Committee also requested the Attorney General for Pakistan to attend the next meeting to explain the legal implications of Supreme Court judgments on gas provision. Senator Abro underscored that the directions of both the Prime Minister and the Supreme Court must be implemented “in letter and spirit,” warning that no further undue delay would be tolerated. The Sub Committee emphasized the importance of a fully funded, transparent, and time bound strategy to ensure that all eligible villages in Ghotki, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other regions within the five kilometer radius of gas fields receive gas access without further postponement. The next meeting date and time will be announced separately, with expectations that all relevant stakeholders, including the OGRA Chairman, SNGPL representatives, and the Attorney General, will be present to finalize implementation plans.