ISLAMABAD: The PML-N and PPP joined hands in the Senate on Monday to oppose a move for creation of an independent ‘supra body’ for long-term economic planning.

Sania Nishtar of the PTI had moved a motion in the house seeking to introduce the Pakistan Future Council Bill, 2023, which was defeated by 25-16.

The proposed bill sought to provide for an independent Pakistan future council as a federal advisory body to ensure long-term economic policy-making, particularly in the areas of economic growth and development, to ensure that the country is on track.

Ms Nishtar, while explaining the bill, said there was no independent institutions for economic decision-making and thus conflict of interest in the government-controlled institutions is not taken into account.

Senate witnesses debate on separation of politics and economy

Saadia Abbasi of the PML-N was the first to oppose the bill, saying there was no need for it. She said the planning committee was doing the job. PPP’s Senator Sherry Rehman agreed that Pakistan needs long-term economic planning, but stressed that this was the job of governments.

She recalled that her party had been advocating for political and economic agreement. Opposing the idea of a future council, she said the bill seeks to take away power from the government and impose a supra body on it.

Abdul Ghafoor Haidri of JUI-F also opposed the bill, pointing out that the parliament was incomplete and there was no emergency.

Musaddik Malik of PML-N said the concept was good, but there was no need for the bill.

When Farogh Naseem of MQM proposed a tweak in the bill to separate politics from economy, a debate started over the subject. Senator Irfanul Haq Siddiqui said politics and economy cannot be segregated.

He said only elected representatives can ensure the country is on track. He said when a political party coming into power it comes with an agenda and objectives, 90 per cent of which have something to do with economy.

Ms Abbasi said that only a parliamentary system can provide a high-powered and highly credible decision-making forum. She opposed separation of politics from economy and the move for a supra body binding the elected government.

Mushahid Hussain Sayed said that as a matter of principle, future planning was very important.

However, he particularly objected to a provision of the proposed bill which reads “the council shall act as the apex network of think-tanks in the country to tap collective wisdom” and said this will open the door to conformity, uniformity and control.

He said there should be no controlled mechanism for actual thinking.

“The biggest watchdog is either the opposition or the parliament, not a new organisation. This organisation would be an unnecessary overlap,” he said. Caretaker Minister for Interior Sarfraz Bugti did not oppose the motion.

The House rejected a resolution seeking to call upon the government to immediately create a cross-sectoral task force in the country to identify gaps in financing towards food system and develop a clear understanding of the country’s financing needs in line with Pakistan’s global commitments ahead of COP-28. The resolution, moved by Sania Nishtar, was defeated by 22 votes against 11.

“The House also demands that Pakistan should engage with global partners to unlock investments from public, private, multilateral development banks and philanthropic sources to shift to good food finance and to actively participate in the co-investment platform for food systems transformation that is to be launched at COP-28”, it read.

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2023

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.