PSQCA board greenlights institutional reforms

With a strong emphasis on institutional reform, employee welfare, and service modernisation, the 35th Board of Directors meeting of the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) convened in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi. The high-level session brought together key stakeholders to chart a forward-looking agenda aimed at overhauling operational systems, supporting staff, and enhancing service delivery.

The meeting was attended by Rizwan Ahmed Sheikh, Director General PSQCA, Muhammad Ashraf, Executive Director General, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and senior officials. The session focused on a comprehensive agenda aimed at institutional reform, employee welfare, and service modernisation.

In a series of landmark decisions, the Board took firm action on several long-pending issues to enhance the operational efficiency of PSQCA and provide relief to its workforce. Among the key outcomes was the approval for the regularisation of PSQCA employees and the release of their pending salaries, signifying a strong commitment to staff welfare. Furthermore, the Board sanctioned the immediate disbursement of salaries to employees in the BS-01 to BS-04 categories, ensuring financial relief to lower-grade staff, according to press release issued on Friday.

Promoting sustainability, the Board approved the installation of solar energy systems at all PSQCA Component Centres and the Head Office in Karachi. This move aims to encourage environmentally responsible and cost-effective energy practices. In line with Pakistan's international trade goals, the Board also gave green light to initiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to boost trade facilitation for Pakistani food products.

To further modernise its internal processes, the Board endorsed the implementation of SAP software across PSQCA's Accounts, Finance, and Human Resource departments. The procurement of new operational vehicles, subject to approval from the Finance Division's Austerity Committee, was also approved to strengthen logistical and field operations across the organisation.

In terms of employee support, the Board approved the disbursement of incentive shares for the current fiscal year and sanctioned the continuation of existing medical services as per the Medical Attendance Rules 2004. Additionally, a significant step was taken towards international collaboration in automotive standards, with approval granted for signing a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with a foreign automobile testing laboratory.

The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on transparency, accountability, and the swift execution of all approved decisions. Federal Minister praised the efforts of the PSQCA team and instructed all departments to ensure timely implementation to deliver improved services and outcomes.