ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Imran Khan approved the establishment of ‘National Development Council’ (NDC) today (June 18) comprising of 13 members including Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa. PM Imran to head the NDC..

According to notification issued by the Cabinet, many ministers would attend the ‘National Economic Council’ (NEC) upon invitation, ministers of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan will be able to participate in meeting of the council on invitation. The strategic body or any minister will be able to join the NDC’s meeting upon invitation as well.

Secretaries of PM Khan, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Financial Advisor Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh will also be a part of the NDC.

Secretary Planning, Development and Reforms Division will also be members of the council, Additional Secretary to Prime Minister to be the secretary of the council. NDC will formulate strategies and tailor policies to achieve accelerated economic growth. Council will make sure to implement policies to achieve rapid economic development in the country.

The council will approve a long-term plan for regional and national connectivity, the NDC will provide a guidlines for regional cooperation.

PM Imran Khan to head the NDC, it will have the following as its members:

1) Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs
2) Federal Minister for Finance/Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance
3) Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Reform
4) Federal Minister for Commerce/Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Industries & Production and Investment
5) Chief of Army Staff
6) Provincial Chief Ministers, Prime Minister of AJ&K and Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan (on invitation)
7) Any additional Minister/Head of Strategic Body (on invitation)
8) Secretary to the Prime Minister
9) Secretary, Foreign Affairs Division
10) Secretary, Finance Division
11) Secretary, Planning, Development & Reforms Division
12) Additional Secretary, Prime Minister s Office