The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat discussed on Friday the process of getting a membership of the Islamabad Club, especially, why can’t the second wife of a member become a member of the posh club located at a stone’s throw from the Constitution Avenue.
During the meeting, Senator Saleem Mandviwala questioned the conditions to become a member of the club, asking further if the second wife of a member could become a member of the club. He wondered why such a restriction was imposed at the club if it wasn’t applied in any other club in the country.
Though he sought details about the issue in the next meeting, the special secretary of the Cabinet Division replied that the division has no role in the membership of the club, saying it was an internal issue of the club.
The committee meeting was held at the Parliament House under the chairmanship of the Committee Chairman Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hasan. In the Standing Committee meeting, the working procedures of the Cabinet Division and its subsidiaries, as well as the performance of the last three years were reviewed in detail.
Also, the committee took a stock of Toshakhana gifts and policies, difficulties being faced by people at the verification of ministry of foreign affairs, situation of bulletproof vehicles, policy regarding civil awards, among several things.
Toshakhana gifts
Regarding the Toshakhana, the committee was told that the Toshakhana policy was amended last year according to which no one can keep any gift worth more than $300, saying any gift above the value is be displayed in the Parliament, the President or the Prime Minister’s houses. The committee was told that the federal government had made the policy and the value of the gift is estimated by the FBR and an outside expert.
Also read: Toshakhana gifts ‘must be on public display’
In the past, the committee was told, the government employees could participate in the Toshakhana auction but under the new policy, they will not be able to participate in the auction of gifts. Concluding the matter, the committee sought the details of the Toshakhana gifts received after February 2023.
Mafia at FO verification center
The committee also discussed the issue of the verification of the documents at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noting that people were unable to get appointment dates for months, thus, being deprived of their rights. The committee was told that a “mafia” was active at the verification center and steps were needed to be taken to address the issue and facilitate people. The standing committee also decided that the matter will also be discussed with the foreign minister.
Bulletproof vehicle
The committee was informed that the Cabinet Division has 18 bullet proof vehicles and no new vehicles have been purchased after the 2016 policy. The division has six helicopters out of which three are active and two have become defunct. The committee sought details regarding the rent of the helicopters.
Delay in public holiday notification
Meanwhile, the committee members also expressed concerns over the late release of the notification of the public holidays. Senator Mandviwala said that the notification of public holidays is released at midnight when the Eid falls on the next day. The Standing Committee should inform the Prime Minister of Pakistan that the notification should be issued at an appropriate time.
Policy for civil awards
The Standing Committee was also informed in detail about the policy of giving civil awards. The Standing Committee was informed that the Prime Minister has approved the new policy, now the award will be given to those who do extraordinary work. Last year, the award was given to 300 people who performed outstanding services in the pandemic. Now, theme-wise sub-committees have been formed, which are discussed by the concerned ministers and their proposals are sent to the main committee, which is headed by Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal. From there, the proposals are sent to the President and the Prime Minister for final approval.
Abandoned property
Meanwhile, Senator Anusha Rehman questioned why the Abandoned Properties committee needed Rs140 million per month when it consists of only 20 employees. The committee sought the details of the budget of the Abandoned Properties committee. Senator Mandviwala highlighted that 117 cases are pending in the cabinet as answer to any query raised in any meeting gets that same answer that the matter is pending in the cabinet division. “If this is the case for the cabinet,” he said, “what will happen to the rest of the departments.” To this, the secretary replied that his department cannot keep any file for more than seven days, saying he couldn’t say anything about the federal cabinet.
IT security advisory
The committee was also informed that the Cabinet Division issues advisory to all ministries and divisions regarding IT security. The committee was apprised that the new system has also been introduced. The committee has called the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB), PTA and the Islamabad Club for a detailed briefing in the next meeting.
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