Islamabad: A Senate committee meeting on Saturday delved into several critical issues, including allegations of misconduct against the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman, the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) repeated failure to appear before the committee, and controversial actions by the acting vice-chancellor of Quaid-e-Azam University. The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges, chaired by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, addressed these matters.
Senators raised concerns about the transfer of a large number of constables from Balochistan to Karachi. While Senator Sardar Al Haj Muhammad Umer Gorgajj argued that personnel should ideally be stationed within their province, the FBR chairman explained the transfers were due to alleged smuggling activities. The committee recommended allowing constables to submit transfer applications through means other than email to accommodate those with limited computer literacy.
The committee also scrutinized an incident in Karachi where customs officers allegedly abused and assaulted individuals during a raid. The FBR chairman pledged to suspend any officer found involved in such behavior and promised to visit the location and meet with the affected merchants.
The CDA’s continued absence, despite being summoned, drew strong criticism from the committee. Members expressed displeasure over the CDA chairman’s repeated failure to attend meetings or respond to calls regarding a missing file, deteriorating conditions in government housing, and fake allotments. The committee insisted on the CDA chairman’s presence at the next meeting.
Controversy surrounding the acting vice-chancellor of Quaid-e-Azam University was also addressed. Senator Jan Muhammad questioned decisions made during the acting VC’s 15-day tenure, including hostel evacuations and student arrests. Furthermore, a screenshot of a message purportedly sent by the VC, disparaging a senator, was presented. While the VC apologized if such words were used, the committee requested the presence of the Inspector General, Ministry of Interior, and other relevant departments at the next meeting.
Finally, the committee discussed articles written by a former chairman of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), published with his former designation at the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. Concerns were raised about the articles’ content, which allegedly tarnished Pakistan’s image. The committee summoned the chairman of The News and a representative from the Ministry of Planning for the upcoming meeting to discuss the matter.