Key Takeaways
- A Senate panel has called for a halt to the privatisation of power distribution companies (Discos).
- The Privatisation Commission is directed to present the matter to the Council of Common Interests.
- Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro warned of parliamentary action if the commission does not comply.
A Senate panel has called for a halt to the privatisation of power distribution companies (Discos), directing the Privatisation Commission to present the matter to the Council of Common Interests (CCI).
The Senate Sub-Committee on Devolution, chaired by Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro, held a meeting to address concerns over the Privatisation Commission’s decision to continue privatisation without fresh approval from the CCI.
The committee expressed serious reservations over the Privatisation Commission’s response, stating that Discos are performing provincial functions which must either be legalised by seeking approval from provincial assemblies or transferred to the provinces.
Senator Ghumro warned the Privatisation Commission to comply with earlier directions or face parliamentary action, emphasizing the need for transparency in the process.
The meeting also reviewed compliance reports on devolution of subjects under the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the status of federal institutions dealing with provincial and CCI subjects.
The panel directed that 24 ministries and organisations on provincial and CCI matters be abolished and federal expenditure be brought down from Rs19 trillion to Rs13 trillion.
Senator Ghumro also expressed displeasure over the non-receipt of agenda notices by the Auditor General of Pakistan and the Controller General of Accounts, directing them to submit audited expenditure on ministries and organisations established on CCI and provincial matters by the CCI during the last 16 years.
The committee was informed that a note on the matter had already been forwarded to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The cabinet secretary explained that the CCI is an important constitutional forum, much like the federal cabinet, and that policing was primarily a provincial function.
