A Senate sub-committee, fuming over absent federal and provincial ministers, referred the snub to the Privileges Committee and warned of escalating to Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani if no-shows persist.
Chaired by Senator Dinesh Kumar, the Functional Committee on Problems of Less Developed Areas met at Parliament House to scrutinize the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB)—covering revenue collection, spending, policies, and assets. Ministers for Religious Affairs (federal and state) skipped again, prompting the panel to defer the agenda.
Convener Kumar and member Senator Nadeem Bhutto stressed ministerial input is essential for progress. The group demanded full province-wise ETPB data on properties, income, and expenses next time.
They also slammed departments for late working papers, violating the 48-hour rule, and ordered compliance. Religious Affairs Secretary explained the federal minister’s recent surgery as the reason.
Attendees included Senator Bhutto, ministry secretary, and officials; ETPB Chairman joined online. All items deferred to the follow-up meeting.
