Dozens of incumbent, retired generals, others: Government decides to issue PB arms licences

ISLAMABAD: The government has reportedly decided to issue Prohibited Bore (PB) arms licences to dozens of incumbent and retired army generals, judges of superior judiciary, Chief Minister Punjab, Sardar Usman Buzadar (who already has one PB licence), Minister for Defence Production, Zubaida Jalal and bureaucrats.

The federal cabinet, which is scheduled to meet on Tuesday (today), will accord approval to the proposal submitted by the Interior Ministry.

According to the Ministry of Interior, several eligible General Officers or equivalent officers of military have requested for issuance of PB arms licence for self protection. The applications were scrutinized and existing record of Ministry has been checked. The policy for grant of maximum one PB weapon is under consideration.

The sources said that cabinet will also accord approval to appoint Osman Nasir as Manaing Director Pakistan Software Export Board in MP-1 scale on a contract basis for a period of two years on terms and conditions to be approved by the PSEB Board of Directors.

Minister for Power Omar Ayub will brief the Cabinet with regard to appointment of members of Discos boards as Cabinet members whose favourites are not being taken in the board, are exerting pressure on the Power Division.

The cabinet will also consider regulatory framework about the Zaireen management policy, according to which Ziaraat quota and a clause of additional fee of Rs 10,000 for repeaters will be deleted from the policy. Representative of Shia community and Parliamentarians (both from treasury and opposition benches), i.e., Senate and NA will be included as members of Balochistan-based Zaireen Management Committee.

The Cabinet will also approve amendment in scheme for the management and disposal of urban evacuee trust properties, 1977, Modalities and implications of the rules for utilization of ET land within urban limits for education and health purpose.

The Cabinet will approve appointment of M/s Horwath Hussain Chaudhury & Co Chartered Accountants Islamabad as auditors to audit SECP's statements of accounts for the financial year ending June 30,2020 at a fee of Rs 500,2000.

The Cabinet is also expected to approve transfer of administrative control of Marghazar Zoo Islamabad to Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, along with requisite posts, budget and assets as directed by the IHC.

The cabinet will also slash the lower limit of power sector schemes from Rs 0.25 million to Rs 0.15 million through an amendment in Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Programme (SAP).

The Cabinet will also discuss Covid-19 situation in the country, recent increase in POL prices, and overall economic situation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020