Islamabad: During a meeting of the Senate Functional Committee on the Transfer of Powers, it was revealed that there are 15 vacant seats in the Council of Common Interests (CCI).
The meeting was chaired by Senator Zarqa Sohrawardi. The CCI officials briefed the committee.
A committee member mentioned that the purpose of establishing the CCI in 1973 was to manage major organizations and that the CCI operates similarly to the federal cabinet and is accountable.
The committee chairperson questioned how the federal government and CCI could claim accountability to the Senate but not to the Senate’s standing committee, emphasizing that the Constitution mandates their accountability.
The committee member noted that as executive authorities, the CCI must operate according to the Constitution.
During the briefing, it was revealed that 38 employees are needed, but only 23 are currently available.
Vacant positions include one for a Joint Secretary, two Deputy Secretaries, one Section Officer, and two Stenotypists.
Half of the CCI staff is on deputation, including one of the two Joint Secretaries.
The committee chairperson expressed frustration over the deputation appointments, questioning whether the deputed individuals are familiar with the CCI’s work.
Senator Zameer Hussain Ghamro remarked that the federal cabinet is handling all responsibilities.
The committee has also sought the Ministry of Law and Justice’s opinion regarding the CCI.