ISLAMABAD: Investigations into the Rs135 billion hazardous petroleum products scam reported in Quetta have been completed, and criminal proceedings against those responsible have begun, the Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology was informed on Monday.
Secretary Ministry of Science and Technology Shahid Iqbal Baloch told the committee, chaired by Senator Kamil Ali Agha, that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against two serving officers, while cases against two retired officers were referred to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on October 15. Expressing concern over delays, the committee directed the FIA to submit its response within ten days.
The scam relates to the import of hazardous petrol falsely declared as an industrial chemical, causing an estimated loss of Rs135 billion.
Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi clarified that factory inspections fall under the mandate of the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). Committee members, however, expressed concern that inspections often result in the clearance of illegal material instead of effective enforcement.
The committee was also briefed on adulteration in food and consumer products, including turmeric and kohl (surma), with members highlighting the health risks posed by harmful additives.
The chairman of the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) informed the panel that the federal cabinet has approved pre-shipment testing at borders, though the operational mechanism is yet to be finalised. The minister stressed that once testing begins, consignments should be cleared within 15 to 25 days, warning that delays could cause financial losses and health risks.
Members raised serious concerns over the smuggling of substandard betel nut (supari) and gutka through sea and land routes. Highlighting severe health risks, including cancer, Senator Dr Afnan Ullah Khan called for a complete ban on gutka consumption.
The PCSIR chairman stressed the need for stringent supply-stage checks, noting that illegal consignments often move from coastal areas to factories before reaching consumers.
Chairman Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) Engineer Waseem Nazir briefed the committee on institutional reforms, stating that all transfers were merit-based and that “Smart PEC” initiatives had been launched. He said PEC has introduced a Generative Artificial Intelligence course for 45,000 engineers, with 15,000 already trained, while a Chartered Project Directors course is scheduled for March–April 2026. He also highlighted mutual recognition agreements with China, with similar accords planned with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and a Graduate Engineer Trainee Programme offering six-month paid training with a Rs50,000 monthly stipend.
On solar energy, the committee discussed mandatory testing of solar panels. The secretary informed members that a Korea-assisted laboratory would soon become operational, capable of conducting at least 46 different tests. Members voiced concern over the influx of substandard solar panels, inverters and batteries, posing environmental and consumer safety risks, and agreed on the need for comprehensive testing.
PSQCA officials briefed the committee on standards for food, non-food and electrical products, noting that nicotine testing standards have been introduced and licences are suspended or cancelled in cases of violations. Regarding tea whitener, officials said it meets PSQCA standards, has no nutritional value and poses no health risk within approved limits.
Concluding the meeting, the committee called for strict enforcement of quality standards, timely implementation of approved policies, transparency in investigations and stronger coordination among regulatory bodies to protect public health, consumer rights and national interests.
Story by Hamza Habib
