Gas, power management may be given to provinces

ISLAMABAD: The government is considering handing gas and electricity management over to the provinces including their generation, transmission and distribution.

The proposals in this regard were discussed by the Council of Common Interest (CCI) in its 35th meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office here with PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in the chair.

It is likely that the proposal would come for further deliberation in the council’s next meeting. The meeting deliberated upon delay in timely payments to the sugarcane growers at the prescribed rates.

Expressing concern, the prime minister directed the Ministry of National Food Security to work with the provinces for an early resolution to the issue. The Board of Investment (BOI) briefed the council on development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The council directed the provinces to submit bankable proposals/documents for establishment of priority SEZs for an early implementation.

Discussing the power related issues of Balochistan, the CCI directed the Planning Commission and the Power Division to expedite energy projects in the province.

The council considered and assented to place draft Bill for the Establishment of National Metrology Institute of Pakistan, (NMIP) in Parliament.

The Nepra presented its Annual Report 2014-15 & State of Industry Report 2015 and Annual Report 2015-16 & State of Industry Report, 2016 to the CCI.

The CCI also decided that the federal government may devise a National Policy Framework for ensuring wellbeing of senior citizens in consultation with the provincial governments and relevant federal ministries.

It would serve as a guiding document for all the governments for having their own respective policy and legal instrument by meeting the broad parameters set forth in the policy framework.

Discussing the allocation of additional water supply for Karachi City (K4 Project), the meeting decided that the issue would be taken up after a detailed presentation by the Ministry of Water Resources on the availability and distribution of water under the Irsa Accord.

Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervaiz Khattak, Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Quddus Bizenjo and Punjab Finance Minister Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha attended the meeting.

Senior officials from federal and provincial governments were also present.

The CCI reviewed the implementation status of decisions taken during its meeting held on 24th November, 2017.

Minister for federal education & professional training briefed the CCI on matters pertaining to higher education and other similar bodies in post-18th Amendment scenario.

The CCI noted that as per the Constitution, formulation of standards in institutions for higher education and research, scientific and technical institution was the responsibility of federal government.

It was agreed that the federal and provincial governments would undertake monitoring, evaluation and accreditation of such institutes.

The council also directed the Federal Ministry of Education to work on a proposal in consultation with all stakeholders for establishment of a national level testing body for unified assessment standards across the country.

To further enhance representation of provinces in the Higher Education Commission (HEC), it was decided that among the seven members (prominent educationists) being appointed by the prime minister, representation of all the provinces will be ensured.

Meanwhile, sources told The News that the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere during which the chief ministers exchanged pleasantries with the prime minister.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qaddus Bizenjo met Prime Minister Abbasi briefly after the CCI huddle.

They reportedly discussed development projects with the prime minister. Abbasi assured the chief ministers that the federal government would fulfill its commitment with regard to the provincial needs.