Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination approved three key government bills: the Pakistan Hotels and Restaurants (Amendment) Bill, 2026; the Travel Agencies (Amendment) Bill, 2026; and the Pakistan Tourist Guides (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The committee met under the chairmanship of Senator Dilawar Khan on Wednesday to deliberate on key legislative bills and policy matters concerning tourism, institutional coordination, and budgetary oversight. The legislation aimed at strengthening regulatory frameworks and streamlining governance in the tourism and hospitality sector. During the deliberations on the proposed amendments, the chairman of the committee raised questions regarding the nature and scope of the legislative changes. It was briefed that the amendments appeared similar in nature and highlighted that, following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the subject stands devolved to the provinces. He emphasised that the amendments propose regulation only to the extent of federal jurisdiction, underlining the need to ensure constitutional compliance and clarity in regulatory authority. It was briefed that, according to the Supreme Court’s judgment, in the Mustafa Impex case, instead of the words “Government of Pakistan,” the specific authorities are inserted in each bill. The Chairman further pointed out that the proposed amendments seek to enhance deterrence by significantly increasing penalties. He noted that fines/penalties are being revised to ensure stricter compliance within the sector. During the discussion, the committee also discussed the need for a uniform policy in all provinces in the tourism sector. It was emphasised that tourism-related rules should be standardised across the country to ensure consistency and avoid regulatory discrepancies. The importance of taking provinces on board and building consensus on a uniform policy framework was highlighted as a key requirement for effective governance. Concerns were also raised that increasing penalties at the federal level without harmonisation with provinces could lead tour operators/guides to shift their operations to provinces with comparatively lenient regulations. The committee underscored the need for coordinated policymaking to prevent regulatory arbitrage. In light of these concerns, the committee decided to convene a joint meeting of the secretaries of all provinces to deliberate collectively to ensure consensus-based and harmonised legislation in the country. The committee reviewed the budgetary allocations and utilisation by the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination for the fiscal year 2025-26, as well as proposed allocations under the Public Sector Development Programme for the financial year 2026-27. It was revealed that the National Internship Programme, which commenced in 2007, has remained dormant since 2019. The committee expressed concern over inefficiencies in institutional functioning and still earmarking an annual budget for redundant programmes, i.e., the National Institute of Psychology. It was recommended to close the National Internship Programme, adjust the staff in some other offices, and ensure efficient utilisation of public resources. The committee stressed the need for administrative rationalization and accountability in public sector institutions. The remaining agenda was deferred for the next meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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