- CCI approves holding of population census in March 2016, establishment of Halal Food Authority, Power Generation Policy, 2015, Pakistan Oil Rules, and amendments in Petroleum Policies 2009, 2012
- PM expresses dissatisfaction over working of regulatory authorities; NEPRA asked to streamline its procedures at earliest to facilitate energy businesses
- Dar tells CCI that public debt brought down to 62pc from 64pc in less than two years
Chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the meeting of Council of Common Interest (CCI) decided Wednesday that the sixth population census would be held in March 2016 with the support of armed forces, as it was done in 1998.
The housing and population censuses would be held at the same time and the cost would be shared by provinces through a divisible pool.
During the long-delayed meeting held in the federal capital, provinces were directed to frame rules and complete other formalities at the earliest for absorption of federal employees transferred to provincial governments in the wake of 18th Constitutional Amendment.
APPROVALS:
The meeting approved amendment in Petroleum Policies of 2009 and 2012 and Model Petroleum Concession Agreement.
The CCI gave approval of the Pakistan Oil (Refining, Blending, Transportation Storage and Marketing) Rules which will repeal some of existing 1971 rules. The new rules cover all the functions assigned to Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) under the Ordinance in respect of mid and downstream oil sector and were prepared in consultation with stakeholders including the provinces.
The CCI also gave approval of the draft bill for the Establishment of Pakistan Halal Authority. The meeting was informed that this will allow Pakistan to benefit from the huge potential that exists in the international market of Halal business worth trillions of dollars, bulk of which is being taken away by non-Muslim countries.
The scope of Halal sector covers a wide range of items such as food, pharmaceuticals, health, food supplements and toiletries etc. Currently, Pakistan is taking only a nominal share of this huge export potential, due to non-existence of a legal and recognised authority at the national level dealing with the Halal sector.
TAKING STOCK:
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar informed the meeting that public debt has been brought down from 64 per cent to 62 per cent in less than two years and by June 2016 it would be brought down to 60 per cent as required under the law.
The meeting was also informed that proceedings on Pakistan Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation Bill 2014 have been completed and soon it would be presented in the Parliament.
Moreover, the Water and Power secretary gave a presentation on Power Generation Policy 2015 which was in-principle approved by the CCI. Any further observation on the policy by the stakeholders will be removed by the Ministry of Water and Power.
National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA)’s annual report for 2012-13 and State of Industry Report, 2013 was also presented before the CCI. Pursuant to Section 42 of NEPRA Act, it is mandatory for NEPRA to submit its annual report for following financial year and State of Industry Report for following calendar year to the CCI.
During the meeting, the prime minister expressed his dissatisfaction over the working of regulatory authorities which were created in view of the privatisation of government entities. However, privatisation did not take place while regulatory authorities are continuing to work. He directed NEPRA to streamline its procedures at the earliest to facilitate energy businesses.
Item related to short supplies of water in Pat Feeder and Kirthar canals was deferred due to the non-availability of Balochistan chief minister, who is out of country and could not attend CCI meeting.
Regarding agenda item on matters pertaining to higher education in post 18th Amendment scenario, the meeting decided that a committee would be formed under the Minister for Planning regarding working of Higher Education Commission and similar bodies in the provinces.
Regarding the construction of Chashma Right Bank Canal, it was agreed that Ministry of Water and Power would discuss modalities with the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Earlier, the prime minister held meeting with chief ministers of Punjab, Sindh and KP in which matters of mutual interest came under discussion.
