ISLAMABAD - The Council of Common Interests in Monday’s meeting directed all the provinces to immediately submit proposals and documents for the establishment of priority Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for early implementation.

The 35th CCI meeting held with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in the chair while chief ministers of Sindh, KP and Balochistan  Syed Murad Ali Shah, Pervaiz Khattak and Abdul Quddus Bizenjo respectively attended the meeting. Punjab Finance Minister Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha also among the attendees.

The daylong CCI’s meeting dispose of eleven-point agenda amicably, despite the conflicts of provinces over some items.

Sources said that the prime minister expressed displeasure over the delay in setting up of some of the power plants proposed by China for CPEC.

He asked the secretary of planning, minister for interior and the Sindh chief minister to jointly work on the proposed project to finalise it.

Abbasi, the sources added, asked the quarters concerned to provide proper place to Chinese for setting up power plants as soon as possible.

He also directed provinces to submit bankable proposals for establishment of priority SEZs for its early implementation.

The Board of Investment (BOI) officials briefed the CCI about the development of SEZs under the CPEC.

Earlier, Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Baleeghur Rahman briefed the meeting on matters of higher education and other similar bodies in post 18th Amendment scenario.

It was noted that formulation of standards in institutions for higher education and research, as well scientific and technical institutions, was the responsibility of the federal government as per the Constitution.

All the provinces finally agreed that both the federal and provincial governments would undertake monitoring, evaluation and accreditation of such institutes.

The CCI directed the Federal Ministry of Education to work on a proposal in consultation with all the stakeholders for establishment of a national-level testing body for unified assessment standards across the country.

To further enhance representation of provinces in the Higher Education Commission (HEC), it was decided that among the seven members, --- prominent educationists, being appointed by the prime minister, representation of all the provinces will be ensured.

The premier also amicably addressed the conflict between Sindh and Balochistan regarding water-sharing formula.

He also asked both the parties, the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan, to further jointly resolve the issue of water sharing separately.

Balochistan had registered complaint against Sindh for stealing its water.

Last year, the province lodged another complaint regarding stealing of water from Kirthar Canal.

Since the Irsa has failed to resolve the disputes between both provinces, the matter was brought in the CCI for resolution.

Balochistan is accusing that Sindh is using its share of water, therefore, it should be asked to make payment for it.

About the power-related issue of Balochistan, the meeting directed the Planning Commission and the Power Division to expedite energy projects in the province.

The CCI discussed in the length the problems being faced by the sugarcane growers in timely payments on prescribed rates.

Expressing concerns, the prime minister directed the Ministry of National Food Security to work with the provinces for early resolution of the issue.

The worst sugarcane crisis caused heavy loss to the growers in the country.

The matter was highlight in and outside the parliament but no proper measures by the federal government was taken.

The growers especially from southern Punjab even staged sit-ins on the national highways and outside the parliament.

The CCI also decided that the federal government might devise a “National Policy Framework” for ensuring wellbeing of the senior citizens in consultation with the provincial government and relevant federal ministries.

This document, the meeting discussed, would serve as a guiding document for all the governments for having their own respective policy and legal instrument by meeting the broad parameters set forth in the policy framework.

The meeting also considered and assented to place draft bill for the establishment of National Metrology Institute of Pakistan (NMIP) before the parliament.

The NEPRA presented its Annual Report 2014-2015 and State of Industry Report 2015 and Annual Report 2015-2016 and State of Industry Report, 2016 before the CCI.

While discussing the allocation of additional water supply for Karachi City (K4 Project), the meeting decided that the issue would be taken up after a detailed presentation by the Ministry of Water Resources on the availability and distribution of water under the Irsa Accord.

The matter regarding gas and electricity management by the provinces including generation, transmission and distribution was also deliberated.

The CCI meeting also reviewed the implementation status of decisions taken during its meeting held on November 24th, 2017.