PCCC–PARC merger stalls despite law ministry clearance, delays cotton revival plan

The proposed merger of the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) into the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) remains pending despite receiving clearance from the Ministry of Law on March 4, with the summary yet to be moved for final approval, Dawn reported. 

Officials in the Ministry of National Food Security and Research have not forwarded the case, delaying a plan aimed at strengthening cotton research and improving production.

The federal cabinet and the Establishment Division had granted in-principle approval for the merger in January 2025, setting a June 30, 2025 deadline. While legal and administrative work has been completed and a draft finalised, the formal notification has not been issued.

Sources said the Ministry of Law sent the approved draft back to the ministry on March 4, 2026 with instructions to proceed, but the file has since remained pending.

During a recent meeting on the Cotton Revival Plan, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar directed authorities to expedite the process, but no progress has been reported.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has also highlighted the need to revive the cotton sector and strengthen research systems.

The Cotton Revival Plan identifies the merger as a key step to improve institutional efficiency, optimise resource use and support higher cotton output.

Stakeholders said the delay is affecting research at a time when cotton production has declined and research institutions face funding and administrative constraints. Industry representatives said the lack of progress is undermining efforts to revive the sector. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently approved a restructuring plan for PARC on March 17, but the merger with PCCC was not included, indicating that the integration process remains unresolved.

Stakeholders have urged the government to issue the notification, stating that further delays could affect research efforts and cotton production.