Islamabad, February 17, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Public Private Authority Bill was passed unanimously by the Senate Standing Committee on Planning Development and Special Initiatives in a meeting that was held on Wednesday at Parliament House. Chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla the meeting was attended by Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saadia Abbasi, Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, Senator Dost Muhammad Khan, Senator Ejaz Ahmed Chaudhary, Senator Danesh Kumar, Senator Sardar Muhammad Shafiq Tareen, and senior officers from the Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives, along with all concerned.
The meeting commenced with a briefing by the National Highway Authority on PSDP projects above PKR 2 billion. The Committee was appraised regarding the status of various projects in terms of source of funding and estimated costs. Members showed concern regarding lack of information by NHA and directed that details with updated figures must be submitted in the next meeting. Questions were raised regarding the process of tendering and the reason for breaking up large projects into smaller ventures. The Committee was informed that this method was used to facilitate middle tier contractors so that they could also be engaged.
While reviewing the progress made on the recommendations given by the Committee, members objected to absence of the Chairman and Executive Director of HEC and stressed the need for strict action in future if they or any other officer failed to show presence. Chairman Committee, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla was of the view that a Privilege Motion will be carried, if the officers failed to show presence in the next meeting.
The Committee, showed displeasure regarding details provided by PIDE regarding the Organizations restructuring plan and gave directions for information to be provided related to progress in terms of number of graduates, placements and provincial breakup. Justification for PIDE’s existence was sought, that is to be submitted to the Committee in the next meeting. Bills related to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority, were deferred and will be taken up at a later date.
For more information, contact:
Senate of Pakistan
H.No.7, Cat-II, G-8/2, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9204564534
Fax: +92-51-9205703
E-mail: senate@comsats.net.pk
Website: www.senate.gov.pk