ISLAMABAD: The Sub-Committee of the Senate Functional Committee on Problems of Less Developed Areas expressed serious concern over the absence of the federal and state ministers for Religious Affairs, and decided to defer the agenda in protest on Monday.
The sub-committee met under the convenership of Senator Danesh Kumar, which was scheduled to review matters relating to the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), including the collection of revenues, expenditure mechanisms, relevant policies, and details of the Board’s assets.
Convener Kumar, along with committee member Senator Nadeem Bhutto, observed that meaningful discussion and decision-making on the agenda items were not possible in the absence of the ministers concerned. It was also noted that the ministers had failed to attend the previous meeting, despite the importance of ministerial-level participation for effective deliberations.
The convener stated that the agenda was being deferred as a mark of protest and told the committee that in case the quarters concerned failed to attend the next meeting, the matter would be taken up before the chairman Senate and also referred to the Privileges Committee.
The sub-committee decided to seek complete province-wise details of the ETPB’s properties, income, and expenditures in the next meeting. It also took serious notice of the non-provision of working papers at least 48 hours prior to meetings, as required under the law, which hampers effective review. The departments concerned were directed to ensure timely submission of working papers in future.
During the meeting, secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs informed the sub-committee that the federal minister for Religious Affairs had recently undergone surgery and was, therefore, unable to attend the meeting.
The committee formally deferred the agenda in protest and decided that all pending matters would be taken up for detailed consideration in the next meeting. The meeting was attended by chairman ETPB and other officials concerned.
