Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government intends to create Ministry of Development and Special Initiatives to deal with mega development projects and provide a formal role to the establishment in the administration and execution of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. According to the sources, the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform which would thenceforth play an advisory instead of an implementation role as at present.
Sources further informed this correspondent that in view of the continuing prevailing security issues along our borders the military establishment had sought a formal role in the administration and execution of CPEC. As a first step to achieve this objective on 13 July 2019, the PTI government announced the establishment of a CPEC Authority under the auspices of the National Development Council (NDC) for fast-track execution of development projects in various sectors of the economy.
After the announcement, the PTI government formed a high-powered body (NDC) comprising of civilian (including provincial) and military authorities to formulate development projects and economy-oriented policies of the country. Sources told this correspondent that this proposal was also shared with the previous government which had shown a reluctance to accept it.
The federal cabinet approved the formation of NDC during its meeting presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan on July 16, 2019 however the notification was issued on July 13, 2019. NDC is to be headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan with Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa as a member.
Other members of the NDC include Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr Hafeez Shaikh, Minister for Planning and Development Khusro Bakhtiyar, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, all provincial chief ministers, AJK prime minister, Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister, any additional minister/head of strategic body, secretary to the prime minister, and secretaries of foreign affairs, finance and planning division; additional secretary of the Prime Minister Office would serve as secretary to the NDC.
The sources said that rule of business for NDC would be determined later. Sources however confirmed that according to the terms of reference (ToR), the NDC will formulate policies and strategies for development activities aimed at accelerating economic growth, approving long-term planning for national and regional connectivity and providing guidelines for regional cooperation.
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