–Sindh CM writes a letter to PM to express his gratitude over centre’s cooperation
ISLAMABAD: Weeks after the federal government started warming up towards the provincial government in Sindh despite the rivalry between Pakistan the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in order to develop a working relationship, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah wrote a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan to express his gratitude.
On December 23, 2019, as a gesture of centre’s willingness to cooperate with the Sindh government, the premier had accepted the latter’s demands which were tabled by CM Shah in the 41st meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI). The chief minister had asked the federal government to stop deducting Rs19 billion from the provincial consolidated fund by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and to immediately halt work on 25MW Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal hydel project. He had also asked the centre to appoint members of Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) on the recommendation of the provinces while ensuring proper water apportionment among provinces. He had further pushed demands pertaining to import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Alternate and Renewable Energy Policy 2019, etc. All of these conditions were accepted by the premier.
In his letter on Tuesday, CM Shah said, “I reiterate that Sindh shall be forthcoming and reciprocate to bring about improvements in the policies for the betterment of the people of Pakistan and further strengthening of inter-provincial harmony in our country.”
He also said that he is looking forward to hosting Adviser to Prime Minister on Energy Nadeem Babar to further streamline the import of LNG. “I am grateful to the CCI for appreciating the stance of Sindh that LNG comes under the domain of CCI,” he added.
Requesting the prime minister to immediately notify a committee comprising attorney general, four advocate generals and technical people from the provinces to jointly review the long-standing issue of provinces regarding water apportionment, the chief minister advocated that a report presented by attorney general in CCI had vindicated the stance of Sindh that “water has to be distributed pro-rata between the provinces of 10-daily statements which were made a part of the Water Apportionment Accord by the CCI on 16-09-1991”. He also said that all members of the CCI had agreed with the report except for Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar as his province had certain reservations over the matter.
Regarding the deduction from the provincial consolidated fund, CM Shah appreciated PM Imran’s directives issued to the finance adviser and FBR chairman to resolve and refund the due payments to the provinces. “I will be following up with Ministry of Finance on this,” he wrote.
CM Shah also highlighted that Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal was non-perennial, therefore, it may not be advisable to construct a power plant there due to insufficient water inflow and the no-objection certificate earlier issued by Indus River System Authority (IRSA) shall have no effect till the issue is deliberated and decided by the CCI.
Assuring fullest cooperation for the implementation of Article 158 of the Constitution, the chief minister thanked the CCI for recognising that the gas producing province has the first right to use that gas. “I assure you our fullest cooperation in this regard,” he added.
About Alternate and Renewable Policy, 2019, CM Shah appreciated the premier for being kind in entertaining the concerns of Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan by directing the Power Division to resolve the concerns of the provinces and resubmit a consensual draft for consideration and resolution. “I look forward to the Power Division to initiate necessary consultation at the earliest,” he said. He further assured the PM that the amendments put forth by Sindh in the draft of Alternate and Renewable Policy, 2019, shall be in compliance with the desire to safeguard national interest.
While requesting the premier to instruct the Ministry of Water Resources to prepare the draft amendment for placement and consideration in the next CCI meeting, the chief minister further appreciated the premier’s acceptance of the provinces’ proposals for amending the WAPDA Act for the post of chairman and members so that the authority comprises one member each from all provinces and the chairman can be appointed on rotation basis among members. He said that the chief executive officer (CEO) of WAPDA shall be a professional and would be appointed by the federal government.
