A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat was presided over by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti at the Parliament House. The session was attended by Senators Aimal Wali Khan, Saadia Abbasi, Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Saleem Mandviwalla (Via Zoom) and Syed Waqar Mehdi (Via Zoom), where critical issues related to public safety, regulatory gaps and governance failures were taken up in detail.
The committee held an extensive discussion on the alarming increase in gas cylinder explosions across the country, terming the situation a matter of serious public concern. Senator Aimal Wali Khan demanded a comprehensive and data-driven report on gas cylinders, calling for the complete history and usage trends in Pakistan. He sought detailed monthly consumption figures as well as a consolidated report on gas cylinder explosions over the past ten years.
Raising questions over accountability, Senator Aimal Wali stressed the need for transparency in investigations and action against those responsible for such incidents. He observed that legislation alone is insufficient, highlighting implementation as the core challenge. He questioned, “Laws are made, who will implement them and how will they be implemented?” and further remarked, “We are only making laws, implementation is nowhere to be seen.”
The committee expressed concern over ambiguity regarding the powers of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), particularly in relation to enforcement responsibilities. Members debated whether additional powers should be granted to OGRA, while also questioning its current performance. Serious reservations were raised regarding the quality and safety standards of gas cylinders nationwide, with members questioning whether the manufacturing in country meet acceptable safety benchmarks.
Senator Aimal Wali pointed out structural discrepancies in the sector, noting that only 18 companies are registered across Pakistan, while a single district reportedly hosts as many as 150 cylinder manufactures, raising serious regulatory concerns.
To address these challenges, Senator Aimal Wali proposed the formation of a joint and empowered committee comprising members of the National Assembly, Senate and OGRA officials. He emphasized that the issue extends beyond OGRA, stating that the government must assume direct responsibility.
Senator Saadia Abbasi strongly criticized delays in legislative and executive action, stating, “Legislation is the responsibility of the government, delay is unacceptable.” She questioned the enforcement framework, asking what action would be taken against unregistered operators. Highlighting market inconsistencies, she raised concerns over the wide variation in cylinder prices, ranging from Rs5,000 to Rs15,000.
The Committee also pointed to the unchecked supply of illegal and substandard cylinders in the market, questioning regulatory oversight. She sought detailed data on enforcement actions, including the number of FIRs registered, illegal factories shut down and shops sealed. Raising concerns over institutional performance, the Committee questioned the role of law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies, asking when concrete measures would be implemented. Senator Saadia Abbasi emphasized, “The government should clarify when practical steps will be taken,” and added, “We need practical results, not just stories.”
The committee recommended the introduction of strict regulatory mechanisms in the gas cylinder sector to ensure safety, quality control and accountability across the supply chain.
In a separate agenda item, the committee reviewed the private member bill titled “The Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (Amendment Bill), 2025,” moved by Senator Dr Afnan Ullah Khan. It was informed that the Board of Directors of the Cannabis Control Authority does not support the proposed amendments in the bill due to very nascent stage of the authority. Therefore, after deliberations the Committee unanimously decided that the bill may not be passed.
The committee was also briefed on budgetary allocations and utilisation under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) proposed by the Cabinet Division, with members reviewing expenditure patterns and development priorities.
The meeting concluded with a strong call for coordinated action, enhanced regulatory enforcement and immediate practical steps to address public safety concerns and governance gaps in key sectors.