Islamabad:
The Senate’s Standing Committee on Sciences and Technology at a meeting held Thursday stressed the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s scientific institutions and responding to public health problems linked to certain consumer products.
One of the key points of the discussion was the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), created in 1984, which has only met three times since its training, the last meeting held in 2001. The committee noted the need to activate the Commission and ensure that its statutory responsibilities are fulfilled effectively. It has been stressed that if the PCST acts as the NCST secretariat, challenges such as delayed meetings and resource constraints have limited progress.
Concerns have been raised on health risks posed by certain “laundering” products marketed as milk alternatives. Managers have recognized these concerns and agreed to the need for a stricter application of quality standards, as well as awareness campaigns and regulatory measures if necessary.
