PM for greater engagement of provinces in national decision-making

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assigned his team of experts to devise a strategy in line with the constitutional provisions for greater engagement of provinces in national decision-making on issues concerning economy, investment, price-hike, etc.

Official sources said the prime minister, following a briefing on the subject a few days back, has directed the concerned authorities that a detailed strategy be evolved on how to ensure greater engagement and coordination with the provinces on issues of national importance.

Such a coordination and engagement of provinces at the federal level decision-making will be derived from the constitutional provisions. It is believed it will help better address the issues that concern both the country and the people from all the provinces and regions.

Within the existing legal and constitutional framework, it is said, there are solutions to improve the working relationship between the Centre and the provinces on issues of national concern.

It was discussed regular meetings of National Economic Council (NEC) and Council of Common Interests (CCI) should be held to monitor the supply of essential commodities, curb inflation, stabilise prices and facilitate investments. Such frequent interaction between the provinces and the Centre will benefit the people of all the provinces.

The high-level meeting also discussed the scope of Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) be extended for review of economic, financial and commercial situations as per constitutional mandate. It is suggested that Ecnec should meet at least once a month, thereby promoting active engagement with the provinces.

According to a source, if the Centre involves and encourages the provinces in national decision-making, its results will be beneficial for the entire country and people as well as governments of all provinces and the Centre.

Pakistan can better progress economically with shared decision-making and shared benefits. Greater engagement between the Centre and the provinces will also ensure better progress and development activities in all the provinces, said a source. The country cannot meet the economic challenges with the Centre’s usual aloofness, he added.

During the last PDM government, setting up of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was also meant to promote investment and business-friendly environment in Pakistan with close coordination of all the stakeholders, including the Centre and the provinces.

The SIFC operates as an inclusive organisation, representing federal and provincial stakeholders across all tiers with facilitation support from the military. The structure includes three key committees: Apex Committee, Executive Committee, Implementation Committee and Sectoral Working Groups.

The Apex Committee is headed by the prime minister and its members include army chief, all chief ministers and others.