ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Science and Technology on Tuesday unanimously decided to repeal the Pakistan General Cosmetics Act, in light of the Federal Cabinet’s decision to wind up the Pakistan General Cosmetics Authority and the ongoing finalization of related matters.
The committee meeting held on Tuesday udder the chairmanship of Jam Abdul Karim Bijar.
The Committee took up the agenda item regarding “The Pakistan General Cosmetics (Repeal) Bill, 2025” moved by Syed Rafiullah, MNA. The Committee unanimously decided that the repeal of this Act is both necessary and urgent, in light of the Federal Cabinet’s decision to wind up the Pakistan General Cosmetics Authority and the ongoing finalization of related matters.
The Committee endorsed the mover’s concerns, acknowledging that his stance was justified and essential for safeguarding public health. The federal secretary for science and technology informed the committee that although the bill had been passed into law, it was never implemented.
The federal cabinet had subsequently decided to withdraw it. Rafiullah strongly criticised the withdrawal, saying that the failure to enforce the law amounted to a “fraud with the Pakistani nation and the National Assembly,” stressing that harmful and toxic materials present in cosmetic products pose serious risks to human skin.
The secretary explained that Pakistan uses two types of cosmetics — imported and locally manufactured — and that even after the repeal of the law, cosmetic production and trade would continue. The standing committee approved the bill’s withdrawal.
The Committee received a briefing from the National Institute of Electronics (NIE) on its mandate and ongoing work. NIE informed the Committee that it is engaged in design and development of electronics, advancement of technical know-how, collaboration with national research centres, and the fabrication of key electronic components aligned with modern technologies.
The Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, further informed the Committee that NIE will be merged under the new administrative restructuring framework to improve coordination, efficiency, and overall performance.
The meeting was also attended by the Minister for Science and Technology, Khalid Hussain Magsi, who supported the Committee’s deliberations.
The Minister assured the Committee that all relevant matters would be addressed with prompt and appropriate action, ensuring better coordination between the Ministry and the Committee.
Magsi remarked that the ministry’s subordinate organisations “have never found direction,” and that the Ministry of Science and Technology. Magsi said that among all attached bodies, only the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) is functioning effectively and generating revenue.
Committee member Ammar Leghari called for a comprehensive briefing on semiconductors and chips, prompting the committee to formally summon relevant officials on the subject for the next session.
The Committee sought a detailed briefing on the country’s semiconductor and chip development plans in its next meeting.
It was further decided that the next meeting will be held at COMSTECH Headquarter, where a detailed briefing on its functions, performance criteria, and operational mechanisms will be provided.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025