After the approval of the project by CCI, the release of funds for the project from Asian Development Bank (ADB) would be possible. The meeting of CCI reviewed several matters related to construction of Diamer-Bhasha Dam.
The Prime Minister has urged the adoption of urgent steps to control on-going energy crisis in the country as well as to generate cheap electricity and termed Diamer-Bhasha Dam , a milestone in this regard. The CCI which met under the chairmanship of Prime Minister passed a resolution approving the construction of Diamer-Bhasha Dam. The resolution reflects national consensus, said the Prime Minister, and would send a positive signal for the future progress and prosperity of the country. The CCI was apprised that the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, on completion in 2019, would have the water storage capacity of 6.4 MAF and would produce 4500 MW of electricity. It was also mentioned that the Dam would pay back its cost within eight years after its completion.
The meeting took note of the NEPRAs Annual Report 2008-09 and the Statement of Industries Report 2009. The Council constituted a Sub-committee to submit its report within one month on the working and functioning of NEPRA within the constitution. The said Sub- committee comprises Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources, Mr Arbab Alamgir Khan Minister for Communications, Mir Humayun Aziz Kurd, Minister for Livestock and Dairy Development and Mian Raza Rabbani. The four Chief Ministers of the Provinces shall also name their nominees for the said Committee.
As regards Intellectual Property Organizations summary seeking provincial support for implementation of Intellectual Property Rights, the Council directed that the summary be resubmitted after consultation with the provinces incorporating appropriate proposed changes in the law. The meeting was attended by all its members including: Chief Minister Punjab Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Chief Minister KPK Ameer Haider Khan Hoti and Chief Minister Balochistan Nawaz Muhammad Aslam Raisani. Syed Naveed Qamar Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources and Mir Humayun Aziz Kurd Minister for Livestock & Dairy Development. Mian Raza Rabbani attended the meeting as special invitee.
The Prime Minister said that previously, the Council could take cognizance of complaints by the Provinces, Federal Capital and Federally Administered Tribal Areas in respect of water from any natural source of supply. The Council, he added, can now take care of similar complaints pertaining to the reservoirs also. He has further said that the Provinces in case of any dispute in respect of matters referred in Article 157 of the Constitution can also approach the Council for resolution of their disputes. He has observed that the Implementation Commission is taking steps to ensure that matters which need to be brought before this forum, are not taken to any other forum.
Gilgit-Baltistan CM not invited
Islamabad: The Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting here discussing construction of Diamer Bhasha Dam and other issues. Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah in whose region the dam will be constructed was not invited in the meeting, sources said. The meeting had discuss options after the World Bank expressed inability to provide funds for the construction of the dam.
The Council meeting was headed by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and other members include the chief ministers of four provinces, Minister for Communications Arbab Alamgir Khan, Minister for Livestock and Dairy Development Hamayun Aziz Kurd and Minister for Privatization Syed Naveed Qamar. As the chief minister Gilgit Baltistan was not a member of the council therefore he was not invited to the meeting. Amjad Hussain, a member Gilgit Baltistan Bar Council, said Syed Mehdi Shah is also a chief minister therefore the federal government should have invited him in the CCI meeting.
It has been learnt that federal government has been facing difficulties to start work on construction of dam after the World Bank’s refusal to provide loans for the construction of dam on objections raised by India, therefore the government has been chalking out strategies in this connection. New Delhi has said that Gilgit Baltistan was a disputed area. The Asian Development Bank said that it would provide funds but has put up conditions.
Comments
Post a Comment