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ISLAMABAD, Dec 15 (APP):The National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce met under the chairmanship of Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, at Parliament House.
The meeting was convened to deliberate on the strategic trade policy framework, State Bank of Pakistan support for kinnow (Orange) exports via the Iran land route, and the Sub-Committee reports on sugar, natural resources, and gemstones.
Before the meeting could commence, Members expressed grave concern and outrage that the Committee had important and serious issues concerning the national economy on its agenda, and that Members of the Committee had travelled from far-flung areas in all seriousness to discuss these important matters; however, the Minister and the Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce failed to attend the meeting.
The absence of the Minister, Secretary, and even the Special Secretary reflects the non-serious attitude of the Ministry and its disrespect towards Parliament.
The Chairman expressed dissatisfaction, anger, and frustration, stating that the Ministry’s conduct reflects irresponsible, and utterly non-serious attitude towards parliamentary oversight. He informed the Committee that, in the absence of the Minister, the Secretary and relevant senior officials to brief the Committee, he is left with no option but to adjourn the meeting of the Committee. Therefore, the meeting of the Standing Committee is being postponed and new date will be communicated in due course.
Members unanimously condemned the Ministry’s behavior, declaring it a disrespect towards the Standing Committee, a constitutionally mandated forum of Parliament.
Member Gul Asghar Khan termed the Ministry’s attitude highly contemptuous of Parliament and unacceptable, while Asad Alam Niazi stressed that the presence of the Minister and Secretary is mandatory for meaningful deliberations. The meeting was attended by MNAs, Dr Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Ms. Shaista Pervaiz, Mr Farhan Chishti, Mr Asad Alam Niazi, Mr Ramesh Kumar Wankwani and Mr Gul Asghar Khan.
Senior officers from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Finance Division, Board of Investment , National Food Security and Research were also present in the meeting.