The Senate Functional Committee on Government Assurances convened in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan, discussing critical public issues including telecom connectivity gaps, delays in health sector initiatives, infrastructure maintenance, and the planned deregulation of petroleum product pricing. The Committee reviewed the current status of various government commitments and directed ministries to expedite actions to ensure timely public service delivery.<\/p>\n
Highlighting the longstanding issue of poor digital connectivity, the Committee expressed concern over the slow pace of government initiatives aimed at upgrading telecom infrastructure in remote and underserved areas. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication informed the members that detailed surveys had been completed and new projects have started to provide mobile voice and 4G data connectivity in Dheri Mera in Union Council Salhad, Abbottabad District. However, Senator Dost Muhammad Khan voiced dissatisfaction with the continued lack of internet facilities in Wana, South Waziristan, affecting an estimated population of 25,000 to 30,000. Reinforcing this concern, Senator Kamran Murtaza brought attention to similar connectivity failures in various parts of Balochistan, where installed telecom towers remain non-operational. The Committee instructed the Ministry to deliver a follow-up progress report within three months to ensure accountability and timely implementation.<\/p>\n
Discussing improvements in health infrastructure, senators raised questions over the delayed installation of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine at the Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital in Islamabad. Ministry officials clarified that the MRI machine had been donated by the Government of Japan; however, procedural issues between the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD) and Capital Development Authority (CDA) caused delays in necessary civil works. Officials disclosed that civil construction work is expected to conclude within ten days, following which Japanese technical experts are scheduled to arrive in the first week of August 2025 to oversee the machine’s installation and initial operation. Senate Committee Chairman Abdul Shakoor Khan emphasised the importance of direct communication with the Japanese authorities to confirm an exact operational date, thus avoiding further delays.<\/p>\n
Infrastructure development and road maintenance, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was another prominent issue raised during the session. Expressing strong reservations, Senator Dost Muhammad Khan criticised the deteriorating condition of road networks across the province and urged immediate action. He emphasised that the National Highway Authority (NHA) must swiftly ensure quality repairs and, if necessary, hold contractors financially accountable for substandard work. Ministry officials promised to pursue effective solutions urgently with the responsible contractors to improve road conditions.<\/p>\n
The Committee also closely examined the Ministry of Energy\u2019s planned deregulation of petroleum product pricing. Senator Kamran Murtaza raised key concerns about potential negative market outcomes, including reduced market share for local refineries, increased smuggling and compromised quality standards, market monopolisation by dominant oil marketing companies (OMCs), arbitrary price increases during peak seasons, and possible product hoarding resulting from excessive unrestricted imports.<\/p>\n
Responding to these concerns, Ministry officials explained that the deregulation framework is being carefully assessed in collaboration with major stakeholders including refineries, the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), the Oil Marketing Association of Pakistan (OMAP), petroleum dealers, and transporters. Officials outlined that the government is contemplating a phased approach to deregulation, beginning with unlinking the petroleum pricing formula from the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) benchmark to encourage competitive market practices. The market’s response will be diligently tracked to safeguard consumers from adverse impacts and maintain economic stability within the sector.<\/p>\n
The meeting was attended by Senators Zamir Hussain Ghumro, Dost Muhammad Khan, Kamil Ali Agha, Kamran Murtaza, along with senior representatives from relevant ministries and departments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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