PTBP Web Desk
The investigation into the Rs135 billion hazardous petroleum products scam has been completed, and criminal proceedings against those responsible are now underway, the Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology was informed on Monday. The disclosure came during a meeting chaired by Senator Kamil Ali Agha, where lawmakers reviewed progress on the high-profile case and discussed a wide range of issues related to public safety, quality standards, and institutional reforms.
Briefing the committee, Shahid Iqbal Baloch, Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, said the inquiry into the scandal reported in Quetta had concluded. The case involves the import of hazardous petrol disguised as an industrial chemical, a practice that posed serious risks to public health, the environment, and the national economy.
Disciplinary and Criminal Proceedings Underway
According to the secretary, disciplinary action has already been initiated against two serving officers, while the cases of two retired officials were formally referred to the Federal Investigation Agency on October 15. These steps mark a significant development in a case that has drawn intense scrutiny due to its scale and potential consequences.
However, members of the Senate committee expressed concern over perceived delays in the process. They directed the FIA to submit a detailed response and progress report within ten days, underscoring the need for accountability and transparency. Lawmakers stressed that prolonged investigations undermine public confidence and weaken deterrence against future violations.
Oversight Gaps and Role of Regulatory Bodies
During the meeting, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi clarified that factory inspections fall under the jurisdiction of the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). Committee members raised serious concerns that inspections often result in the clearance of illegal or substandard material rather than effective enforcement.
Several senators questioned whether regulatory mechanisms are sufficiently robust to prevent dangerous products from entering the supply chain. They argued that weak enforcement not only enables economic crimes but also exposes consumers to significant health hazards.
Food Safety and Consumer Health Concerns
The committee was also briefed on widespread adulteration in food products, including spices such as turmeric, as well as the addition of harmful substances in traditional cosmetic products like kohl (surma). These practices, members warned, can cause long-term health complications and disproportionately affect lower-income households.
Officials from the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) informed the panel that the federal cabinet has approved the implementation of pre-shipment testing at borders. This measure is aimed at preventing substandard and hazardous goods from entering the country in the first place.
However, the operational framework for pre-shipment testing has yet to be finalised. The minister emphasised that once testing mechanisms are in place, consignments should be cleared within 15 to 25 days, noting that certain materials are sensitive and cannot be held for extended periods without risk of degradation or financial loss.
Smuggling of Gutka and Supari Raises Alarm
Another major issue discussed was the smuggling of substandard betel nut (supari) and gutka through both sea and land routes. The federal minister and committee members warned that spoiled or adulterated supari and gutka pose severe public health risks, including a heightened risk of oral cancer.
Senator Dr Afnan Ullah Khan strongly advocated for a complete ban on gutka consumption, citing overwhelming medical evidence of its harmful effects. The chairman of PCSIR added that illegal consignments often move from coastal areas to factories before reaching markets, making supply-stage checks critical for effective enforcement.
Engineering Sector Reforms and Skills Development
The meeting also reviewed institutional reforms within the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC). Chairman Engineer Waseem Nazir briefed the committee on recent initiatives, stating that all transfers within the council were carried out strictly on merit.
He highlighted the launch of “Smart PEC” initiatives, including a Generative Artificial Intelligence course designed for 45,000 engineers nationwide. So far, 15,000 engineers have completed the training, reflecting strong uptake. Additionally, a Chartered Project Directors course is scheduled to begin in March–April 2026.
PEC has also signed mutual recognition agreements with China, allowing Pakistani engineers greater international mobility. Similar agreements are planned with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. To support young professionals, a Graduate Engineer Trainee Program has been launched, offering six months of paid training with a monthly stipend of Rs50,000.
Mandatory Testing of Solar Panels
Lawmakers also discussed the mandatory testing of solar panels, amid growing concerns over the influx of substandard panels, inverters, and batteries into Pakistan. The secretary informed the committee that a Korea-assisted laboratory will soon become operational, capable of conducting at least 46 different tests on solar panels.
Members warned that poor-quality solar equipment not only cheats consumers financially but also poses environmental and safety risks, including fire hazards and reduced system efficiency. The committee agreed that comprehensive testing and certification are essential to protect consumers and support the sustainable energy transition.
Standards, Enforcement, and Final Recommendations
PSQCA officials briefed the committee on standards covering food, non-food, and electrical products. They reported that nicotine testing standards have recently been introduced and that licenses are suspended or cancelled in cases of non-compliance.
Addressing concerns about tea whitener, officials clarified that while it has no nutritional value, it meets PSQCA standards and does not pose health risks when consumed within approved limits. Nonetheless, members urged clearer consumer awareness about such products.
