The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology has called for the federal government to provide a detailed briefing on mobile phone testing protocols, amid growing concerns over the safety of wireless devices.
This request follows recent terror incidents in Lebanon where mobile phone batteries were reportedly used in explosive attacks.
During Wednesday’s meeting, committee chairman Kamil Ali Agha and several senators voiced fears that Pakistan might face similar threats due to the rising number of unregulated mobile phone imports.
Agha questioned whether Pakistan has sufficient testing facilities to ensure the safety of mobile devices used across the country.
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“These are not just phones, but potential bombs we carry close to us,” Agha warned, pressing the Ministry of Science and Technology for assurances regarding device safety.
Aside from mobile phone safety, the committee briefly touched upon issues in the domestic cement sector. Senator Shibli Faraz informed the committee that the cement industry owes billions of rupees and suggested bringing the matter to either the Supreme Court or the Public Accounts Committee for further action.
The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) was also summoned to present detailed financial records in the next session.
The committee criticized PSQCA for inadequate oversight, despite achieving a 10% increase in revenue this year.
Moreover, it was noted that the Ministry of Science and Technology is under review by a Right-Sizing Committee, and may face restructuring if necessary.
