The Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research convened its 17th session on Friday at Parliament House in Islamabad, which was chaired by MNA Syed Tariq Hussain.
Dominating the agenda were alarming reports of donkey flesh being vended in the capital, triggering serious concerns about public health hazards and regulatory oversight. The committee instructed the ministry to investigate the matter with the appropriate authorities and provide a report in the upcoming session.
The gathering began with a recitation from the Holy Quran and confirmation of the previous meeting’s minutes. Discussions included an update on the 16th meeting’s recommendations and a point of order raised by former National Assembly Speaker, Asad Qaiser, regarding the plight of tobacco cultivators. The Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB) Secretary briefed attendees on measures taken to address cultivators’ long-standing problems.
Among the key issues raised were tobacco taxation, the CESS fund’s management over the past decade, PTB’s social responsibility programs, and a potential crop insurance plan for tobacco farmers. The committee expressed worry over the lack of farmer representation on oversight bodies for these initiatives. Additional concerns included the rejection of tobacco harvests and the unspent PKR 949 million earmarked for research due to a vacant director position at the PTB.
The committee mandated the inclusion of tobacco farmers in all relevant boards, emphasizing their essential role in any successful reform. The ministry was urged to swiftly fill vacant PTB posts. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) was requested to furnish a detailed report on GST and Federal Excise Duty collected on tobacco and cigarettes in the last five years.
Addressing a long-standing issue, the FBR confirmed the implementation of GST on imported cotton starting August 15, 2025, to level the playing field for local producers. The Chairman commended the committee”s concerted efforts in championing the interests of cotton growers.
The upcoming meeting will address rising sugar prices and potential market stabilization measures. Additionally, the committee heard a presentation from Crop Life Pakistan, highlighting the role of innovation in agricultural technologies. The organization stressed the need for solutions like genetically modified organisms (GMOs), integrated pest management, and advanced seed technologies to address food security challenges.
The ministry disclosed that the Biotechnology Policy is ready for submission to the Prime Minister’s Office, with the committee requesting a copy. The committee also urged swift action on the pending Seed Policy. Several MNAs and representatives from relevant ministries and organizations were in attendance.