ISLAMABAD: The Sub-Committee of the Senate Functional Committee on Problems of Less Developed Areas on Monday referred the absence of federal and state ministers to the Privileges Committee, expressing frustration over their repeated non-attendance.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Dinesh Kumar, was convened at the Parliament House to review matters related to the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), including revenue collection, expenditure mechanisms, policies, and asset details.
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The committee expressed serious concern over the absence of the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and the Minister of State for Religious Affairs, noting that meaningful discussion and decision-making were not possible without ministerial-level participation.
Committee members, including Senator Nadeem Bhutto, highlighted that the ministers had also missed previous meetings. In protest, the agenda was deferred, and the matter was referred to the Privileges Committee. The panel also decided to raise the issue with Senate Chairman Sayed Yousuf Raza Gilani if the ministers failed to attend the next session.
The committee requested complete province-wise details of ETPB properties, income, and expenditures for the next meeting. It also took notice of the non-provision of working papers at least 48 hours prior to meetings, directing concerned departments to ensure timely submission in the future.
During the meeting, the Religious Affairs Secretary informed the panel that the Federal Minister had recently undergone surgery, explaining his absence. The meeting was attended by Senator Nadeem Bhutto, the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, other officials, and the ETPB Chairman, who participated online.
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The committee resolved that all pending matters would be discussed in detail at the next session.