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PM for completion of devolution process by June 30, 2011
ISLAMABAD, Oct 5 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday emphasized that the process of devolution must be completed by June 30, 2011 - the time specified in the Constitution. He further said that the process of devolution will fulfill a long outstanding political commitment of democratic forces of devolving powers to the provinces, adding, it will also help in promoting good governance at the federal and provincial levels.The Prime Minister expressed these views while presiding over a meeting of the Implementation Commission on 18th Amendment Bill here at his Chamber in Parliament House on Tuesday.
The members of the Implementation Commission, who attended the meeting included Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Petroleum Syed Naveed Qamar, Federal Minister for Housing and Works Haji Rehmatullah Kakar and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Dr. Farooq Sattar.
The Prime Minister was apprised of the fact that as decided in a previous meeting of the Implementation Commission chaired by him and attended by the provincial Chief Ministers, the process of devolution will be incremental.
In the light of this decision first two phases will be completed by January 31, 2011. The Implementation Commission after approval of the Prime Minister will announce the dates of the other phases, which in any case has to be completed by 30th June next.
The Prime Minister directed the Commission that all Ministries that are to be devolved shall be involved in the process.
He was also apprised of the recommended amendments to Schedule II of the Rules of Business of the Federal Government, which have become necessary after the 18th Amendment through which the Concurrent List has been abolished.
The Prime Minister was also briefed that the Commission after taking the Federal Ministries into confidence will coordinate with the Provincial Governments so as to ensure that the process of devolution is smooth and with no hiccups.
Courtesy www.app.com.pk