On the cards: Govt to introduce new law to give immunity to CPEC Authority from NAB, FIA probe

(Karachi) In a latest move, a new law to replace defunct China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority Ordinance will be introduced by the federal government, local media reported on Wednesday.

As per details, the proposed draft of the new law approved by the Cabinet Committee for Legislation Affairs grants immunity to CPEC Authority Chairman and other officials of the authority from all kinds of investigations carried out by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

If the new law is implemented, the CPEC Authority will report directly to the prime minister instead of the Ministry of Planning and Development. The post of chief executive will be removed under the new bill.

Earlier, CPEC Chairman Asim Saleem Bajwa resigned from his post after he was accused of corruption. He denied the allegations. However, the PM did not approve his resignation and asked Bajwa to continue discharging duties.

Opposition parties demanded of the government to launch an investigation into the matter and reveal facts based on truth.

Last year, President Arif Alvi promulgated the ordinance for the establishment of a 10-member China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority that has been tasked for expediting the delayed CPEC projects.

The authority will find new drivers of economic growth, and unlock the potential of interlinked production network and global value chains through regional and global connectivity.

According to the draft, the authority will determine ways to enhance cooperation between Pakistan and China in diverse sectors. The authority will play an active role for effective communication between the Joint Cooperation Committee and the Joint Working Group, and enhance coordination between provinces and ministries.