Pakistan on High Alert After Explosions in Lebanon
The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology has called on the federal government to provide a comprehensive briefing on mobile phone testing protocols in the next session, following recent terror incidents in Lebanon where Israel reportedly detonated batteries of wireless communication devices.
Committee Chairman Kamil Ali Agha, along with other senators, expressed concerns over potential risks to Pakistan, particularly given the rise in unregulated mobile phone imports. Agha questioned the country’s mobile phone testing facilities, seeking assurances from the Ministry of Science and Technology that mobile devices available locally are safe. “These are not just mobile phones but potential bombs we carry close to our chests,” the chairman remarked.
In addition to mobile phone safety, the committee briefly reviewed the domestic cement sector, with Senator Shibli Faraz highlighting the billions of rupees owed by the industry. He suggested that the issue be taken to the Supreme Court or the Public Accounts Committee for resolution if necessary.
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Officials from the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) were summoned to the next session to present detailed records on arrears. The committee chair criticized the PSQCA for ineffective monitoring and a lack of progress, despite a 10% revenue increase this year.
The Ministry of Science and Technology is also under review by a Right-Sizing Committee and may face significant restructuring if required.
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