ISLAMABAD – Finance Minister Asad Umar has set a new precedent in thepolitical history of Pakistan.
His decision to return his discretionary powers to the federal cabinet togrant money during course of the fiscal year would ensure implementation ofa historic judgment of Supreme Court in letter and spirit.
In its last year in power, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)government had sanctioned Rs860 billion worth supplementary grants.
The move to seek prior cabinet approval will also ensure better budgetplanning, as the government has even barred transfer of money from oneapproved budget head to another of a ministry without the approval of thecabinet.
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The bureaucrats of the Planning Ministry blatantly misused this facilityto fund politically-pet schemes by diverting funds from other projects.
The Finance Ministry has issued an office memorandum to all the ministriesand divisions, directing them to seek approval of the cabinet on all casesof supplementary and technical supplementary grants.
