FPSC (Federal Public Service Commission) · CSS (Central Superior Services)
Council of Common Interests (CCI)
The Federal Structure
· Pakistan Studies/Affairs
50 MCQs
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1
Which Article of the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan provides for the establishment of the Council of Common Interests (CCI)?
Answer:
Article 153
Article 153 of the Constitution of Pakistan mandates the President to appoint a Council of Common Interests. This body is designed to strengthen the federal bond by providing a platform where the Federation and the Provinces can resolve disputes and coordinate on subjects listed in Part II of the Federal Legislative List.
2
Who is the ex-officio Chairperson of the Council of Common Interests?
Answer:
The Prime Minister of Pakistan
According to Article 153(2)(a), the Prime Minister is the Chairperson of the Council. This ensures that the head of the federal government directly leads the discussions with provincial heads, emphasizing the executive importance of the council in inter-provincial coordination.
3
Besides the Prime Minister and the four Chief Ministers, how many other members sit on the CCI?
Answer:
Three Federal Ministers
The composition of the CCI includes the Prime Minister, the Chief Ministers of the four provinces, and three members from the Federal Government to be nominated by the Prime Minister from time to time. This brings the total membership of the council to eight individuals.
4
Before the 18th Amendment, how often was the CCI constitutionally required to meet?
Answer:
No specific timeframe was mentioned
Prior to the 18th Amendment in 2010, the Constitution did not specify a mandatory frequency for CCI meetings, which often led to the council remaining dormant for years. The 18th Amendment introduced a strict requirement for regular meetings to ensure consistent provincial engagement.
5
Post-18th Amendment, what is the mandatory frequency for CCI meetings under Article 154?
Answer:
At least once every 90 days
Article 154(3) was amended by the 18th Amendment to mandate that the Council shall meet at least once in ninety days. This was a significant reform aimed at preventing the federal government from bypassing provincial consultation on critical national issues.
6
Which body has the power to summon a meeting of the CCI if the Prime Minister does not do so?
Answer:
Any Chief Minister of a province
Article 154(3) allows the Prime Minister to convene a meeting at any time, but it also empowers the Chief Minister of a province to make a request for a meeting. If such a request is made, the Prime Minister is constitutionally obligated to convene the Council.
7
The CCI is responsible to which of the following bodies?
Answer:
The Parliament (Majlis-e-Shoora)
Article 154(1) states that the Council shall be responsible to the Parliament. This means that the decisions and reports of the CCI can be discussed in the National Assembly and the Senate, ensuring legislative oversight of inter-provincial executive decisions.
8
If the Federal Government or a Provincial Government is dissatisfied with a decision of the CCI, where can they appeal?
Answer:
To a Joint Sitting of Parliament
According to Article 154(7), if a government is dissatisfied with a decision of the Council, it may refer the matter to the Parliament in a joint sitting, whose decision on the matter shall be final. This highlights the supremacy of the Parliament in resolving federal disputes.
9
Which of the following subjects falls under the direct policy and supervisory control of the CCI?
Answer:
Railways
Railways is listed in Part II of the Federal Legislative List. All subjects in Part II, including Railways, Mineral Oil, Natural Gas, and Electricity, are under the policy and supervisory control of the CCI as per Article 154.
10
The 18th Amendment moved several regulatory authorities under the ambit of the CCI. Which of these is one of them?
Answer:
National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA)
NEPRA and other regulatory bodies dealing with subjects in Part II of the Federal Legislative List are supervised by the CCI. This ensures that provinces have a say in the regulation of utilities like electricity, which directly impacts their local economies.
11
Which constitutional body is responsible for making the 'Rules of Procedure' for the CCI?
Answer:
The Council itself
Article 154(2) states that the Council shall determine its own rules of procedure. This autonomy allows the CCI to function as an independent constitutional entity rather than just an extension of the federal bureaucracy.
12
Where is the permanent Secretariat of the CCI located as per recent administrative developments?
Answer:
Islamabad
The permanent Secretariat of the Council of Common Interests is established in Islamabad. Following the 18th Amendment, the Secretariat was made more robust to provide continuous support and follow-up on the decisions made during the quarterly meetings.
13
Which of the following is a key function of the CCI regarding the 'Census'?
Answer:
The CCI must approve the results of the National Census
The Census is a subject in Part II of the Federal Legislative List. Therefore, the planning, supervision, and final approval of the census results (which determine the NFC share and electoral seats) must be done by the CCI to ensure all provinces accept the data.
14
In which year did the CCI approve the first-ever 'National Water Policy' of Pakistan?
Answer:
2018
In 2018, the CCI reached a historic consensus and approved the first National Water Policy. This was a landmark achievement as water distribution and management have historically been points of severe contention between the provinces.
15
What happens if a decision is not reached unanimously in a CCI meeting?
Answer:
The decision is taken by a majority vote
While the CCI strives for consensus to ensure inter-provincial harmony, its rules of procedure and the general democratic principle allow for decisions to be made by a majority of the members present and voting.
16
Under Article 155, the CCI has the authority to hear complaints regarding which specific resource?
Answer:
Water from any natural source
Article 155 specifically deals with complaints regarding interference with water supplies from any natural source. If a provincial government or the federation feels their interests in water are being prejudiced, they can lodge a formal complaint with the CCI.
17
Which entity was moved to the Federal Legislative List Part II (and thus under CCI oversight) to resolve provincial concerns about demographic data?
Answer:
The Census
By moving the 'Census' to Part II, the 18th Amendment ensured that demographic data—which is the basis for political power and financial distribution—is not controlled solely by the center but is supervised by the collective body of all provinces.
18
Who can be appointed to the CCI to represent the Federal Government?
Answer:
Federal Ministers
The three members from the Federal Government are nominated by the Prime Minister and are typically members of the Federal Cabinet (Federal Ministers). This ensures that the federal executive view is represented during negotiations.
19
The 'Electricity' subject in Part II allows the provinces to construct power houses and grid stations. Who regulates this under CCI policy?
Answer:
NEPRA
NEPRA (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority) is the regulator. Because electricity is a CCI subject, NEPRA's policies and major tariff decisions are often brought to the CCI to ensure they do not unfairly disadvantage any province.
20
Which body is responsible for resolving disputes regarding the 'Net Hydel Profit' (NHP) between the Center and KP/Punjab?
Answer:
The Council of Common Interests
The NHP is a constitutional right under Article 161, but the formula for calculation and the payment of arrears are frequently discussed and resolved in the CCI, as it relates to the subject of Electricity (FLL Part II).
