Senate panel calls for halt to discos privatisation, seeks CCI approval

ISLAMABAD: A Senate sub-committee has called for the privatisation of power distribution companies (Discos) to be put on hold, arguing that the matter should first be taken to the Council of Common Interests (CCI).

ISLAMABAD: A Senate sub-committee has called for the privatisation of power distribution companies (Discos) to be put on hold, arguing that the matter should first be taken to the Council of Common Interests (CCI).

The Senate Sub-Committee on Devolution, chaired by Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro expressed reservations about the Privatisation Commission’s decision to continue the process without obtaining fresh approval from the CCI.

The committee said Discos were performing functions it considered provincial in nature and argued that these responsibilities should either be formally authorised through provincial assemblies or transferred to the provinces.

Senator Ghumro warned that failure to follow the committee’s directions could result in parliamentary action, including a privilege motion.

The panel also called for greater transparency in privatisation proceedings, referring to concerns previously raised over the privatization of Pakistan Steel Mills and Pakistan International Airlines.

The meeting was part of a broader review of the federal government’s responsibilities following the 18th Constitutional Amendment. The committee examined reports concerning federal institutions dealing with subjects linked to provinces and the CCI.

Ghumro said the committee had recommended abolishing 24 ministries and organisations dealing with provincial or CCI-related matters. He also called for a significant reduction in federal expenditure, citing government revenue and spending figures as a concern.

The panel directed the Auditor General of Pakistan and Controller General of Accounts to provide audited expenditure details for federal ministries and organisations dealing with devolved or CCI-related matters over the past 16 years.

The committee also discussed policing, media devolution and broadcasting responsibilities. Officials told members that policing was largely a provincial responsibility while the Establishment Division was asked to submit its position on the federal Police Service of Pakistan within two weeks.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar sought a month for consultations with provincial governments on transferring media-related functions. The committee also reviewed electricity generation from Thar coal and issues concerning benefits and employment for local communities.

The Cabinet Division informed the panel that its recommendations had been forwarded to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for consideration and implementation.