ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) witnessed fiery exchanges this week as leading trade bodies accused Joint Secretary (JS) Bilal Haider of misbehaviour, high-handedness, and sidelining stakeholders in crucial policy discussions. Exporters alleged that instead of facilitating dialogue, the senior bureaucrat treated them with arrogance and silenced their voices, sparking demands for an official inquiry.
Representatives of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) told the committee that despite representing over 80 percent of agricultural exports, they were deliberately excluded from meaningful consultation on the proposed National Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA). REAP Chairman Faisal Jahangir claimed their representatives were “muted and silenced” during discussions, accusing the JS of showing unprecedented disregard for stakeholders who contribute billions to the economy.
Similar concerns were raised by Waheed Ahmed of the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, who said exporters were treated dismissively and shut out of decision-making. “Instead of listening to our concerns, the JS sidelined us. Exporters are being ignored at a time when agriculture trade needs urgent support,” he told the committee.
Several senators reacted sharply, terming the allegations serious and unacceptable. Members called for accountability, saying no official has the right to suppress exporters’ input on matters directly linked to national trade. The committee hinted at disciplinary proceedings if the claims were substantiated.
Beyond the meeting, insiders familiar with the ministry’s workings informed media that the Joint Secretary is widely seen as the “blue-eyed officer of the Minister for Food Security” and allegedly enjoys unusual influence inside MNFSR. According to these sources, he is considered more powerful than even Secretary Amir Mohyuddin, owing to his close connection with the minister. As JS (Organization), under whom attached departments fall, he reportedly controls postings and exercises sweeping administrative authority.
Some insiders further alleged that the JS’s role extends beyond administrative oversight, with claims that he is tasked with ensuring “financial benefits” for high-ups. These claims, however, could not be independently verified.
The controversy emerges at a sensitive time, with Pakistan’s agricultural exporters warning of sharp declines in rice and fruit shipments due to policy mishandling. Critics argue that if exporters are being ignored or sidelined, the country risks undermining its own trade credibility.
