Ministry of Planning Issues Notification for the CPEC Authority’s formation

Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform has issued notification for establishment of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority and now the Law Ministry is preparing rules and procedures for appointments under Ordinance promulgated by the President, it is learnt. Sources told this correspondent that it is now the responsibility of Law Ministry to prescribe rules and procedures for qualification, experience and terms and conditions for appointments to CPEC Authority.

According to notification issued by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms available with Business Recorder, “In exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 1 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority Ordinance (XII of 2019) the Prime Minister is pleased to appoint the 11th day of October, 2019, to be date on which the provisions of the said Ordinance shall come into force.”

When contacted sources in Law Ministry stated that the process to prepare rules and procedures for appointments for CPEC Authority is ongoing and the Law Ministry would complete its work within the next two to three days.

The opposition criticised the PTI government for setting up the CPEC Authority through a presidential ordinance and termed it an “illegal” move in violation of recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on CPEC and was tantamount to “backdoor legislation” and that they would not accept the move.

According to the Ordinance, the CEPC Authority will consist of a Chairperson, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director (Operations), Executive Director (Research) and six Members to be appointed by the prime minister for a period of four years who shall be eligible for re-appointment for one similar term.

The head office of the Authority shall be at Islamabad and subject to the provisions of this Ordinance.

The Chief Executive Officer will be a civil servant of BS-20 or above, who shall be appointed on deputation.

The qualifications, experience and terms and conditions for appointment of the Chairperson, Executive Directors and Members of the Authority shall be prescribed by rules.

The prime minister may remove the Chairperson, an Executive Director or a Member from office if, on an inquiry conducted by a person or persons designated with the approval of the prime minister, he is found inefficient or unable to perform the functions of his office due to mental or physical disability, or to have committed misconduct.

The Chief Executive Officer shall act as Chairperson at any time when the post is vacant or the Chairperson is unable, for any reason, to exercise his powers or perform his duties.

The Authority shall exercise its powers and perform its functions in line with the framework and Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the People’s Republic of China reproduced in the Schedule to this Ordinance and decisions taken at meetings of the Joint Cooperation Committee provided that the Federal Government may, from time to time, assign more functions and issue guidelines to the Authority.