Under new rules, PM can delegate powers to ministers, advisers

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken an important decision regarding the transfer of his powers. According to sources, an important amendment has been made to the Rules of Business 1973 regarding the powers of the prime minister as the minister-in-charge.

Under the new amendment, the prime minister will be able to delegate the duties as in-charge minister to the ministers of state and advisers.

He will be able to give the ministers or advisers full or partial powers of the in-charge minister. The decision has been taken to facilitate and streamline the working of ministries and divisions.

Under the Rules of Business, if there is no federal minister for a ministry or division, the prime minister is the in-charge minister. Currently, the number of advisers to the prime minister is four and the number of ministers of state is 11. According to sources, since the prime minister is very busy, delegating powers will mean that the ministries will not have to send files to him for approval.

Earlier, the prime minister has also delegated the powers of the chairmanship of the High Powered Selection Board. In India too, the prime minister can delegate his powers to a minister or secretary.