Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken decisive steps to bolster inter-provincial coordination and cooperation by establishing the Council of Common Interests (CCI). The announcement comes following the issuance of a notification, which bears the stamp of approval from the PM himself.
According to the notification, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will preside over the eight-member CCI as its chairman. The council will include the four chief ministers as members.
In a departure from previous conventions, the council's composition sees the inclusion of prominent federal ministers, including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, and SAFRON Minister Amir Muqam.
Of particular note is the inclusion of Foreign Minister Dar in the council, marking a historic shift in the council's composition. For the first time in its history, a foreign minister has been designated as a member, replacing the traditional role of the finance minister.
The Council of Common Interests officially came into existence on March 21, as per the notification. With its formation, the stage is set for enhanced dialogue, coordination, and decision-making processes aimed at addressing shared challenges and fostering equitable development across all provinces.