Senate Committee Reviews NIE Merger, PSQCA License Inquiry

The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology on Tuesday took up a range of issues including the reported mishandling of equipment at the National Institute of Electronics (NIE) and the fake license issuance case at the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), issuing a series of directives to the relevant authorities

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th May, 2026) The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology on Tuesday took up a range of issues including the reported mishandling of equipment at the National Institute of Electronics (NIE) and the fake license issuance case at the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), issuing a series of directives to the relevant authorities.

The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Senator Kamil Ali Agha and attended by Senators Husna Bano, Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Muhammad Aslam Abro, and Saeed Ahmed Hashmi.

The Committee took notice of reported mishandling of machinery and equipment of NIE following its merger into the Indigenous Research and Development Agency (IRADA). Affected employees presented their grievances, raising concerns over improper handling during relocation and demolition of existing infrastructure.

The Ministry assured the Committee that employees would be accommodated in other entities.

The Chairman directed the Ministry to submit a detailed report at the next meeting, including feasibility studies, relocation records and inventory details.

The Committee reviewed the TORs for the inquiry into the PSQCA fake license issuance case. It was informed that the concerned director has been removed from the licensing committee and that no new licenses are being issued without the approval of the Director General. The Committee noted that issuance of fake licenses damages the country's credibility and called for strict action against those responsible.

On the duplication of functions between PCSIR and PSQCA, the Committee was told that both organizations were in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding.

The concern was expressed over reports that PSQCA lacked accreditation for certain tests and had to approach PCSIR for them.

The Chairman directed formation of a joint committee of heads of both bodies to propose a plan for integration and optimal utilization of resources.

The Committee was informed that the Pakistan-Korea Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory was operational, with plans to expand its scope to include solar batteries and inverters with support from the Government of Korea.

The Chairman directed expeditious implementation of the expansion.

On technical allowances for engineers, the Committee noted that while most provinces had approved such allowances, a disparity persisted at the Federal level.

The Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, was directed to pursue the matter and ensure issuance of the necessary notification.

The Ministry informed the Committee that a summary had been moved for the retention of key scientific organizations, including NIO and PCST.

The Committee endorsed the proposal and directed NIO to present a report on sea intrusion affecting land in various districts of Sindh at the next meeting.