News Detail
Event Title: Senator Qurat Ul Ain Marri, Chairperson Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Presiding over a Meeting of the Committee at Parliament House Islamabad
Event Date: 2024-12-05
The meeting was attended by Senators, Shahadat Awan, Zeeshan Khanzada, Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Liaqat Khan Tarakai, Jam Saifullah Khan, the Secretary for Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives and other senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, senior officers from Planning Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other concerned departments.
The Senate Committee deliberated on the Private Member’s Bill titled “The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2022.” moved by Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir, who stated that the said amendment proposes inclusion of one representative each from the Senate and the National Assembly in the CPEC Authority. Mover of the Bill further mentioned that the Ministry had previously stated that a proposal to dissolve the authority had been sent to the Prime Minister. The Secretary (MoPD) informed that the authority is currently dysfunctional and that Prime Minister has desired to forward the matter to the Rightsizing Committee of the Federal Government for their consideration and that the Ministry has also recommend to initiate the process to repeal the CPEC Authority Act. After detailed deliberations, the Committee unanimously agreed to pass the Bill.
Additionally, the Committee members held a detailed discussion on the briefing by the Secretaries of MoPD&SI, Ministry of Finance, Senior Officers Planning Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regarding disbursement of funds to PSDP projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Secretary, Planning Division apprised that 35% of funds have been authorized for two quarters against 7 projects in the province and Ministry of Finance informed that in 1st Quarter funds have been released for one project only as requested by GoKP and in 2nd quarter funds released for 2 projects only and same been transferred. Ministry of Finance has also written to GoKP to update on the execution period of four project under PSDP 2024-25 as their execution period has expired and release cannot be processed. Chairperson commented that there is a serious issue on non-utilization of funds and directed that all communication gaps be addressed immediately to resolve these as they ultimately lead to the loss of benefits for the common people. She added that the Committee's main concern is that the allocated funds for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have remained unutilized.
Furthermore, the Committee considered the issue of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province not receiving the full amount of Rs. 100 billion each year which was committed following FATA merger. The Secretary (MoPD) added that this commitment involved contributions from the provincial governments but till date contribution from provincial government are awaited.