ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi convened an extraordinary meeting of Council for Common Interests (CCI) for addressing provinces concerns over ‘non-implementation’ of article 158 and 172 of the constitution.
This meeting has been called to discuss powers and role of federation and its four federating units, reported Dawn. These instructions were issued by PM Abbasi in CCI’s previous meeting held on 24th November, said a senior government official.
The provinces have persistently complained over oil and gas issues, especially regarding import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and its allotment.
According to official documents, Inter-Provincial Coordination Division (IPCD) told CCI that Inter-Provincial Coordination Committee (IPCC), headed by Federal Minister Riaz Hussain had discussed LNG Policy 2011 with chief ministers during a meeting to resolve the deadlock.
Despite the issues being deliberated in detail in two meetings, the problem remained unresolved. After an inconclusive meeting, it was decided provincial governments would submit their reservations in writing to CCI for decision.
Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are said to have voiced strong observation in their filed responses to CCI. CCI was apprised that IPCC had held discussions over article 158 of the constitution and three provinces were in unison to its implementation in letter and spirit.
Furthermore, a uniform criterion for provision of gas per consumer to all provinces was decided upon, with federal government would be responsible for expenditure about aforementioned criteria.
CCI was made aware that this issue had been forwarded to a committee presided by minister for law and justice which suggested LNG Policy 2011 matter be put forth before it. And in a meeting held in August, petroleum division also tabled the LNG Policy 2011 issue before the CCI.
Murad Ali Shah, Sindh Chief Minister said during the meeting the summary was filed to CCI not for approval but only for information purposes. This irked PM Abbasi, who noted as per decision of committee under law minister, LNG Policy 2011 was tabled before CCI for information and its go-ahead wasn’t required from it.
