The Senate Standing Committee on Government Assurances reviewed progress on a range of unresolved issues spanning health, telecommunications, information technology and aviation. The meeting, chaired by Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan, assessed follow-ups on assurances previously given by various ministries on matters raised in earlier Senate sittings.
The committee examined delays in operationalising the Kidney Transplant Unit at PIMS, which remains inactive due to the retirement of senior specialists. The Ministry of Health informed that new appointments are under process with the Federal Public Service Commission, and FPSC representatives were instructed to attend the next session.
Concerns regarding the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s digital registration processes for foreign-qualified doctors were also highlighted. Senator Anusha Rehman noted slow correspondence and processing times, prompting the Chairman to seek a detailed report at the following meeting.
Issues related to land possession in Islamabad’s Sector I-12 and development work near PHA apartments were reviewed. The Chairman called for the Capital Development Authority to submit a written response ahead of the next meeting.
On telecommunications, the committee assessed progress on restoring 4G services in unserved areas of Abbottabad, including Dheri Mera. The Universal Service Fund confirmed that work under the NG-BSD Abbottabad Lot began in March 2025 and is slated for completion before October 2026.
Federal hospitals’ capacity to transmit lab reports online was also reassessed, with the Ministry confirming compliance and the matter subsequently closed. Updates on HIV/AIDS screening and treatment expansion showed that increased case numbers reflect enhanced national testing rather than accelerated spread, with 94 ART centres currently operational.
The committee further reviewed plans for establishing a Cancer Hospital at PIMS, with infrastructure development targeted for completion by June 2026. Representatives from the CDA and Planning Division were asked to attend the next meeting for additional clarification.
On aviation, the Ministry of Defence clarified that no Pakistani airports have been outsourced, despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise. A detailed update was requested for the upcoming session.
The meeting concluded with directives for all relevant ministries and departments to submit required reports and ensure representation at the next committee meeting. Attendees included Senators Kamran Murtaza, Zamir Hussain Ghumro, Umar Farooq, Danish Kumar, Anusha Rehman Ahmad Khan and Kamil Ali Agha.
