ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology on July 7 directed the relevant authorities to submit a comprehensive briefing on the ingredients used in energy drinks, along with a complete scientific analysis, to enable the committee to deliberate on appropriate regulatory measures.
The committee members also raised serious concerns regarding the widespread consumption of energy drinks among children and adolescents. It was observed that these drinks had become highly addictive and that, when mixed with certain readily available syrups, they could produce intoxicating effects similar to narcotic substances.
The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology held its meeting under the chairmanship of Senator Kamil Ali Agha and undertook a comprehensive review of legislative, regulatory and administrative matters relating to public health, food safety, institutional governance, organisational restructuring and appointments in organisations working under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The committee considered the Private Member’s Bill titled “The Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2025”, introduced by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri during the Senate sitting held on May 19, 2025. The proposed legislation seeks to protect public health by regulating the availability and consumption of high-sugar and high-caffeine beverages and soft drinks across Islamabad, particularly among children and adolescents. The bill aims to restrict the sale of such products, promote healthier alternatives and strengthen the implementation of the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety Act, 2021, to ensure the availability of safe and healthy food products.
Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri expressed concern over rising diabetes and unhealthy dietary habits among children, citing excessive sugar consumption as a major public health risk. The ministry and Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) officials said the proposed bill overlapped with existing regulations and recommended incorporating necessary amendments into the current legal framework to avoid duplication. Chairman Senator Kamil Ali Agha directed the relevant authorities to submit a comprehensive briefing on the ingredients used in these energy drinks, along with a complete scientific analysis, to enable the committee to deliberate on appropriate regulatory measures.
The committee also reviewed measures to ensure timely inspection of betel nuts before distribution to consumers, with the objective of preventing fungal contamination and safeguarding public health. The Federal Minister for Science and Technology informed the committee that betel nut is used for supari, with a major portion entering Pakistan through smuggling. It was further highlighted that nearly 80 per cent of betel nuts remain unaccounted for due to illegal channels. The minister informed the committee that the areas through which betel nuts are smuggled have become high-security zones, making enforcement operations increasingly difficult.
The minister informed the committee that 95 per cent of quality testing is now conducted in the country of origin and five per cent after arrival in Pakistan. Officials said the revised system uses Green, Yellow and Red channels based on risk assessment but warned that delays could increase contamination risks. The committee stressed the need to curb smuggling, ensure credible laboratory testing and address concerns over fake certifications and regulatory weaknesses.
The committee reviewed governance concerns over the continuation of the Director General, Pakistan Halal Authority, beyond the expiry of his contractual tenure. Officials clarified that the incumbent was serving on a look-after charge basis pending regular appointment through open advertisement. Senator Kamil Ali Agha directed the ministry to submit detailed comments, observing that such arrangements should preferably be assigned to officers from the same department. The committee also noted that the practice of assigning look-after charges had become common in the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The committee reviewed the restructuring of organisations under the Ministry of Science and Technology, including PCRET, PCST, NIO and CWHR. The secretary informed members that PCRET and CWHR had been abolished, while PCST and NIO were retained. He assured that no employee had been dismissed or deprived of salary, with the Establishment Division working on the placement of affected staff.
Chairman Senator Kamil Ali Agha expressed concern over prolonged uncertainty faced by employees and directed that their future be decided without delay. The committee was also briefed that appointments of heads of eight organisations had been regularised, while remaining vacancies were being re-advertised after earlier candidates failed to meet eligibility criteria.
