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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, held a comprehensive review of multiple matters at Parliament house Wednesday.
The Committee discussed a point raised by Senator Zarqa Suharwardy regarding reports that some Islamic banks are compelling female employees to wear abayas. State Bank officials clarified that dress code policies vary across banks, and the Committee members emphasized for a regulatory notification by the State Bank of Pakistan requiring only modest, professional dress.
The Committee examined the discussion on Starred Question, raised by Senator Kamran Murtaza and referred from the House on 9th October 2025, regarding the reported Rs. 375 trillion financial irregularities.
It was noted that this figure resulted from a typographical error in the consolidated executive summary, which was verified and corrected by the Attorney General, confirming that no statutory report contained the error, while a fact-finding inquiry is also underway. The Auditor General will provide a full briefing on the Rs. 9 trillion figures in a separate session.
The Committee also reviewed the non-implementation of the Presidential order of 16-07-2025. After thorough discussion, the Committee directed that the Presidential order be implemented.
Moreover, the Committee addressed the fire hazard in the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Karachi, where large quantities of uncleared scrap and waste had accumulated due to delays in removal and auction procedures. Officials confirmed that past fires were not caused by waste accumulation, but EPZ representatives denied this. It was noted that new procedures will ensure automatic monthly disposal to prevent further risk.
Moreover, the Committee unanimously ratified the nominated members of the FBR Policy Board under Section 6(5) of the FBR Act, 2007.
Salary disparities for tenure-track faculty of the Institute of Quality & Technology Management, University of the Punjab, were also reviewed. It was noted that despite a 2021 directive to maintain a 35% differential, delays persist, pushing faculty toward litigation.
The Committee urged Finance and Education authorities to coordinate and resolve the issue promptly.
Additionally, the Committee discussed the backlog of consignments at the Sost Border, noting that delays in customs
clearance and auction procedures had left goods stranded for months. Officials stated that most consignments have been cleared, generating revenue.
The Committee stressed the need for mechanisms to prevent a future backlog.
In attendance were Senators Farooq Hamid Naek, Manzoor Ahmed, Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur, Dilawar Khan, Kamran Murtaza (participated online), Minister of State for Finance and Revenue, Chairman FBR, Representatives from SBP, Deputy Auditor General, and senior officials from concerned departments.