Islamabad, February 11, 2026: The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security & Research, chaired by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, convened to deliberate on budgetary proposals under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the financial year 2026–27, review the performance of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA), and examine progress on various Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) projects.
The meeting was attended by Senators Abdul Wasay, Danesh Kumar, Aimal Wali Khan, Sardar Al Haj Muhammad Umer Gorgaij, and Abdul Karim.
The committee expressed strong displeasure over the late submission of working papers and noted that PSDP budgetary proposals for the upcoming financial year had yet to be finalized. Senator Ahsan urged the Ministry to submit finalized proposals before the next meeting and instructed that working papers be shared well in advance of future sessions.
NAFSA’s performance was also reviewed. The committee raised concerns over ad hoc appointments in senior management and stressed the urgent need for regular appointments, including the Board of Governors and Director General, while ensuring provincial quotas. Temporary appointments had been made to operationalize the authority, with the process for permanent staffing reportedly underway.
The committee endorsed the “Thar Community Actions for the Management of Sustainable Ecosystem, Livestock and Livelihood (Thar CAMELL)” project, highlighting its role in conserving indigenous livestock and establishing diagnostic laboratories in Tharparkar. Another project reviewed focused on the development of high-value camel milk powder to enhance foreign exchange earnings and improve livelihoods in arid regions. Members recommended expanding this initiative to provinces such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which have substantial camel populations.
Additionally, the committee was apprised of the regularization of the PSDP project titled “Strengthening/Upgradation of Agriculture and Livestock Research System of Arid Zone Research Institute, Umerkot, Sindh”, alongside efforts to upgrade and accredit national laboratories in line with national and international standards. Members emphasized the importance of conserving indigenous livestock breeds, including local goat and cattle varieties.
Concluding the meeting, Senator Ahsan appreciated the initiatives, noting their strong potential to boost agricultural productivity and contribute significantly to Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings.
