The 35th Board of Directors meeting of the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) was held here in Islamabad on Friday under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Khalid Hussain Magsi.

The session marked a significant milestone for institutional reforms, modernization, and employee-focused decisions aimed at improving the authority’s overall performance and service delivery. Key participants included PSQCA Director General Rizwan Ahmed Sheikh, TDAP Executive Director General Muhammad Ashraf, Secretary PSQCA Abdul Karim Rind, and other officials who joined the meeting with special permissions.

In a series of major decisions, the Board approved the long-awaited regularization of PSQCA employees and ordered the release of pending salaries, particularly ensuring the immediate disbursement of salaries for staff in BS-01 to BS-04 categories. These measures reflect a renewed commitment to staff welfare and financial stability for lower-grade employees.

In a move toward sustainability, the Board approved the installation of solar energy systems at all PSQCA Component Centers and the Karachi Head Office, aiming to reduce operational costs and promote green energy practices.

To align with international trade objectives, the Board granted approval to initiate an MoU with the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This partnership is expected to facilitate improved export compliance for Pakistani food products.

The PSQCA also took steps to modernize internal systems by endorsing the implementation of SAP software in its Accounts, Finance, and Human Resources departments. The procurement of new operational vehicles-pending clearance from the Finance Division’s Austerity Committee-was also approved to strengthen on-ground operations.

Further measures to support employees included approval for incentive shares for the current fiscal year and the continuation of existing medical services under the Medical Attendance Rules 2004. Additionally, the Board approved signing a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with an international automobile testing laboratory to enhance Pakistan’s collaboration on global automotive standards.

Concluding the meeting, Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi emphasized transparency, timely implementation, and accountability. He lauded the efforts of the PSQCA leadership and staff, urging swift execution of all decisions to ensure improved institutional performance and service delivery.