ISLAMABAD: The federal government would soon take some important decisions regarding the fate of its subordinate organisational entities (OEs), as it intends to keep only 324 out of the total 441 OEs under the federal domain.
These decisions are likely to be taken in the light of recommendations of a report titled ‘Progress Report on Institutional Reforms’, which was prepared by Adviser to Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms and Austerity Dr Ishrat Husain-led committee to ensure the implementation of institutional reforms in the country.
The report was presented in a federal cabinet meeting held on 28th Jan 2020 under the chair of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
According to documents, “If the government approves the proposed recommendations, then 117 OEs, which are currently functioning under the federal government, will not be able to continue their work. Resultantly, only 324 OEs will be retained by the federal government as executive departments and autonomous bodies.”
As per the break-up figures, out of the total 441 OEs, 43 would be privatised or transferred to Sarmaya-e-Pakistan, 14 would be transferred to the provinces, eight would be liquidated, 35 would be merged, 17 training institutes would be consolidated, whereas 87 executive departments and 237 autonomous bodies would be retained by the federal government.
Sources privy to the development said besides deciding the fate of OEs, the government would also take decisions regarding amendments in the laws of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), restructuring of Capital Development Authority (CDA), establishing a full-time secretariat for the Council of Common Interests (CCI), reorganization of Evacuee Trust Board, three-year security tenure for federal secretaries, and an integrated Human Resource Management Division within the federal government.
They said recruitment of statistics chief and members for the governing board of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics would be done in the near future, while a decision to revitalize and modernize the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) would also be taken soon to make it effective and professional.
Sources said the Civil Aviation Authority would be divided into distinct organizations; one would be responsible for regulatory oversight and enforcement of the aviation industry while the other would manage the commercial operations of the airports, besides encouraging the private sector to enter into concession agreements.
As per the documents, the formation of a Corporate Restructuring Company for the revival of sick industries was on the cards. Similarly, the policy board of Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) would be revamped through the involvement of eminent members. The policy board would be chaired by a private sector expert rather than the finance secretary.
