National Finance Commission meets

The first meeting of the reconstituted 7th National Finance Commission was held under the chairmanship of Mr. Shaukat Tarin, Federal Minister for Finance here today.

In his opening remarks, the Federal Minister for Finance welcomed the members and declared that there would be open discussion on all issues to be raised in the NFC. He assured all the members that the principle of fair play would be followed during the meeting and the government would ensure timely completion of NFC recommendations. The Federal Minister for Finance suggested rotation of NFC meetings in all provincial capitals.

In their opening remarks, the members from the provinces appreciated the Federal Government for holding the NFC meeting and expressed their desire to see NFC successful. The members appreciated that the NFC meeting is being held at the time while there are democratic governments in the provinces as well at federal level. They expressed the hope that commission would be able to bring positive results for the people of all federating units.

Speaking on the occasion, the representative from NWFP raised the issues of NWFP’s role as a frontline province in the War on Terror, Afghan refugees’ problem and IDPs issues for discussion during the meeting.

On the demand by all provincial representatives, it was decided that the Federal Ministry of Finance will give a detailed presentation about state of national economy and financial position to the NFC during tomorrow’s meeting enabling all provincial members to prepare their respective responses accordingly. It was also decided that during tomorrow’s meeting the NFC would form various technical committees on various subjects.

The following members attended the NFC meeting:

1. Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Chief Minister Sindh.

2. Mir Muhammad Asim Kurd, Minister for Finance, Balochistan.

3. Mr. Mohammad Humayun Khan, Minister for Finance, NWFP.

4. Mr. Tanvir Ashraf Kaira, Minister for Finance, Punjab.

5. Senator Haji Mohammad Adeel, Member (NWFP).

6. Mr. Kaiser Bengali, Member (Sindh).

7. Mr. Ghafoor Mirza, Member (Punjab).

8. Dr. Gulfraraz Ahmed, Member (Balochistan).