Population, housing censuses: Cabinet allows presentation of report before CCI

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Tuesday allowed presentation of the report of 6th Population and Housing Censuses-2017 before the Council of Common Interest (CCI) for final approval in view of reservations reportedly expressed by a coalition partner Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan) against population and housing enumerations.

Speaking at a news conference, Minister for Information Shibli Faraz said the federal cabinet allowed submission of 6th Population and Housing Censuses-2017 before the CCI.

The Minister for Industries tweeted that the cabinet also approved the Electric Vehicle (EV) policy for four-wheelers, outlining several new rules related to import and export of vehicles, taxation, registration, and customs duty.

The Minister for Information said the meeting also discussed the Covid-19 situation in the country and noted that the government's "effective strategy" enabled the country to deal with the first wave of corona successfully.

He said that in the cities where opposition held public rallies there was a major spike in Covid-19 cases.

He said the pandemic has resurfaced with renewed strength. The situation, therefore, underscores the need for strict implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

He said the opposition held its public rallies in complete disregard of the SOPs.

Responding to a question, the information minister said Prime Minister Imran Khan's government worked harder for betterment of the country's economy. He said as a result of those efforts, the country's exports were at the highest level.

The minister said that Maulana Sherani, Hafiz Hussain Ahmed and others had successfully "exposed" the opposition, and those who were preparing to start a movement against the government were "now facing movement from their own parties". The opposition's politics has entered a dead-end street with a turnaround at the closed end, he said, adding that "the leader's credibility was important for any movement". The federal cabinet delegated power to the Ministry of Interior for making amendments in the Exit Control List (ECL) list for the implementation of court's directives.

However, the final approval of amendments in the ECL would be given by the federal cabinet. The cabinet committee would comprise federal minister for interior, federal minister for law while adviser on interior and accountability and secretary interior would attend the meeting on special invitation.

The federal cabinet has granted permission to import P-5 oil to meet the operational requirements of Pakistan Navy.

The federal cabinet was also submitted annual report of Nepra for the year 2019-20 and review report of power sector 2020. The meeting was informed that work on promotion of renewable energy was in progress. According to the minister, the meeting was further informed that competition is being promoted in the energy sector, so that consumers can be provided with cheap electricity.

The federal cabinet was given a briefing about the encroachment at Margalla road, Islamabad, and the prime minister directed to implement the directives of the cabinet in this regard as law is equal for everyone.

The cabinet approved implementation of the Pakistan Special Services Act 1952 for another six months on the employees of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) and approved amendments in the CDA Ordinance 1960, it also approved appointment of managing director in STEDC Technology Commercialization Corporation.

The cabinet approved appointment of director general in the National Institute of Oceanography.

The meeting also allowed constitution of a board of directors of the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) and induction of federal minister for industries into the board of the Board of Investment (BOI).

The federal cabinet also approved executive member National Medical Authority under the Pakistan Medical Commission Act 2020.

The cabinet approved appointment of members on board of governors in the PIMS, Federal Medical Commission and School of Dentistry as per Federal Medical Teaching Institute Ordinance, 2020.

The meeting also approved appointment of secretary power as chairman PPOB MEECA and the AEDB. The cabinet also allowed appointment of board of directors in the Special Zones Authority. The meeting also endorsed decisions of the ECC dated 16th December 2020.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020