Islamabad, August 02, 2023 (PPI-OT): The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) unanimously recommended to approve the Government’s Bill, titled, “The Gun and Country Club Bill, 2023” to provide for the establishment, administration and management of the affairs of the Gun and Country Club in Islamabad.
2. 35th meeting of the Standing Committee was held today at 2:30 p.m. in Committee Room of Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination, Kohsar Block, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Mr. Nawab Sher, MNA.
3. While briefing, the Secretary, Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination apprised the Committee that the facilities of Gun and Country Club (GCC) was established in Islamabad in 2004 during 9th South Asian Games. Later on, to sustain and institutionalize shooting ranges facilities, GCC Islamabad was established through a resolution passed by erstwhile Ministry of Sports in 2002 and amendment in 2011. He said that the honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan took Suo Moto Notice and declared these resolutions to be invalidated and directed the Ministry of IPC to finalize legal structure of the Club.
Accordingly, a Bill was framed in consultation with Law and Justice Division and all relevant stakeholders. He briefed that the Club has self-generated resources/responsibilities and its members shall have a significant role in managing the affairs of the Club being members of the Management Committee by ensuring transparency in its administration, management, finances and decision making. After detailed deliberations, the Committee unanimously recommended to approve the Bill to provide for the establishment, administration and management of the affairs of the Gun and Country Club in Islamabad.
4. Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto, MNA/Mover also expressed grave concern over the appointments, salary packages and utilization of revenue by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The Hon. Federal Minister for IPC, Mr. Ehsan Ur Rehman Mazari expressed apprehension over International Cricket Team visits to Pakistan and suggested a hybrid model while maintaining Pakistan’s dignity. He has also apprised the Committee that PCB is not an autonomous entity, however, accountable to the Government of Pakistan. The Committee commended the Federal Minister for IPC for appreciating the Cricket Team through incentives and various awards.
5. The Secretary, Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) briefed the Committee on organizing and hosting national and international tournaments and events. He said that PSF achieved gold, silver, and bronze medals in junior players’ teams during this year. He highlighted the limited allocation of funds to the PSF, whereas, efforts to improve the performance of the senior team were also discussed. A Committee Member recommended that clear selection criteria be specified for girls and that PSF outreach to schools and colleges be enhanced.
6. Besides the Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination, Mr. Ehsan Ur Rehman Mazari, the meeting was attended by MNAs/Members of the Committee, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhinder, Rana Mubashir Iqbal, Ms. Shahida Rehmani, Ms. Nasiba Channa, Ms. Rubina Irfan and Dr. Muhammad Afzal Khan Dhandla. Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto, MNA/Mover was also present in the meeting. The senior officers from Ministry of IPC, Pakistan Sports Board, Pakistan Cricket Board, Pakistan Squash Federation and Pakistan Hockey Federation were also present in the meeting.
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