The government of Pakistan is considering a proposal to dissolve the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority, the Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives was informed on Friday, Dawn reported.
Awais Manzur Sumra, Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Development, told the committee that the authority is currently non-functional. He added that the prime minister has instructed that the matter be referred to the federal government’s rightsizing committee. The ministry has also recommended initiating the process to repeal the CPEC Authority Act.
The committee, chaired by Senator Quratul Ain Marri, also approved a private member’s bill seeking the inclusion of one representative each from the Senate and the National Assembly in the CPEC Authority. The bill, moved by Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir, highlighted that a proposal to dissolve the authority had already been submitted to the prime minister. After deliberations, the committee unanimously passed the bill.
The panel also discussed funds disbursement for Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Senior officials from the Planning Division and the Ministry of Finance briefed the committee, revealing that 35% of funds had been authorized for two quarters across seven projects in KP.
However, during the first quarter, funds were released for only one project, as per the KP government’s request. Similarly, in the second quarter, funds were transferred for two projects.
Officials noted that the Ministry of Finance had asked the KP government for updates on four projects under the PSDP 2024-25, as their execution periods had expired, preventing further release of funds.
Chairperson Quratul Ain Marri expressed concern over the underutilization of allocated funds, emphasizing that communication gaps must be addressed urgently to avoid depriving citizens of the intended benefits.
She also highlighted that KP had not received the promised annual allocation of Rs100 billion following the FATA merger. The Secretary of Planning clarified that this funding commitment required contributions from provincial governments, which have yet to be provided.
The meeting was attended by senators Shahadat Awan, Zeeshan Khanzada, Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Liaqat Khan Tarakai, Jam Saifullah Khan, and senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, Planning Division, and KP’s planning department.
