Senate Panel Reviews Cannabis Regulation, Seeds and NESPAK Projects in Karachi
Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat reviews cannabis regulation, agricultural research and development projects in Karachi.
The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat reviewed cannabis regulation, agricultural research, seed development and NESPAK projects during a meeting at the Sindh Secretariat on Thursday.
Senator Rana Mehmood ul Hassan chaired the meeting. Senators Dost Ali Jeesar, Waqar Ali Mehdi, Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Amir Waliuddin Chishti, Saleem Mandviwalla and Atta ur Rehman also attended.
Vice chancellors from eight agricultural universities joined the session. Officials from the Cabinet Division and other experts also participated.
The Senate’s official record identifies Senator Rana Mehmood ul Hassan as chairman of the committee.
Cannabis Authority Briefs Committee
The Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA) briefed lawmakers on the regulatory and research framework for the cannabis and hemp sector.
The authority was established to regulate cultivation and production. It also facilitates research through a dedicated laboratory and research centre.
CCRA officials told the committee that the authority had received 75 licence applications. The applications were undergoing vetting.
Officials also outlined the authority’s funding and staffing requirements. They said Pakistan currently imports hemp yarn from China and Brazil.
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Local cultivation and processing could help reduce those imports. The sector could also create additional income opportunities for farmers.
The committee discussed potential applications of hemp and cannabis in textiles, medicine and other industries.
Senators Call for Stronger Research Links
Senator Rana Mehmood ul Hassan called for stronger links between agricultural universities and the authority’s research activities.
He also proposed involving chambers of commerce and relevant industries in future discussions. Such cooperation could connect research, regulation and commercial markets.
Senator Waqar Ali Mehdi suggested giving agricultural university vice chancellors representation on the boards of relevant research centres.
He also called for closer coordination between CCRA and enforcement agencies. The proposal aims to address illegal cultivation and production.
Mehdi further proposed a sub-committee to examine CCRA’s financial and staffing needs.
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla said the legislation was intended to establish a regulated cannabis industry with export potential. He also raised concerns about limited progress more than two years after the authority’s establishment.
Committee Examines Seed Development
The committee then reviewed issues related to seed development. Prof. Dr. Asif Ali, Chairman of the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA), briefed members.
He said the authority was established through legislation in November 2024. Its objectives include promoting advanced planting material and improving agricultural productivity.
The authority also aims to strengthen food security and increase farm incomes. Export growth remains another stated objective.
Prof. Dr. Asif Ali stressed the importance of crop zoning based on climate and soil conditions. He also highlighted soil testing as a tool for selecting suitable crops and improving yields.
Senator Rana Mehmood ul Hassan emphasised the need for adequate seed storage. He also called for timely access to quality seeds, particularly for staple crops.
Sindh Agriculture University Funding Proposed
Senator Atta ur Rehman proposed representation for Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan on the NSDRA Board of Governors.
The committee endorsed the proposal and recommended the inclusion of both regions.
Senator Dost Ali Jeesar also suggested approaching the Sindh chief minister for additional funding for Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam.
The proposed funding would support research and development focused on local crops and seeds.
Committee Raises Concerns Over NESPAK Promotions
The committee also examined matters involving National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK).
Members expressed reservations about reported cases in which senior employees were bypassed during promotions. The committee directed the NESPAK Board to review the cases under applicable rules and seniority principles.
Officials were further directed to consider eligible employees for promotion benefits from the relevant past dates where rules permit.
K-IV Progress Reviewed
The committee appreciated progress on the Hyderabad component of the K-IV Augmentation Project.
At the same time, members raised concerns over delays affecting the wider project. NESPAK was directed to accelerate work in view of Karachi’s increasing water requirements.
The K-IV project remains an important component of efforts to strengthen water supplies for Karachi.
Public Institutions Face Review
Members also examined overlapping responsibilities among public administration and training institutions.
The committee recommended forming a sub-committee under Senator Saleem Mandviwalla. It will review the functioning of the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), National School of Public Policy and Civil Services Academy.
The proposed sub-committee will examine areas where institutional mandates overlap. It will also recommend measures to improve efficiency and reduce duplication.
Possible rationalisation or merger of functions may also be considered where appropriate.
Authorities Asked to Report Progress
The committee directed relevant authorities to follow up on the recommendations discussed during the meeting.
Officials were also asked to submit progress reports at the committee’s next session. The move is intended to ensure continued monitoring of decisions covering cannabis regulation, agricultural research, NESPAK projects and public-sector institutions.
