ISLAMABAD, July 29: The Ministry of Law has proposed amendments in the draft ordinance for the establishment of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), which will replace the EPB.

An official told Dawn on Saturday that the law ministry declared a proposal of the commerce ministry unconstitutional which seeks status of state minister for being eligible to be appointed as chief executive of the TDAP.

The law ministry maintains that it is the discretion of the prime minister and could not be granted through an Act as the power of the prime minister could not be curtailed through such measures.

Similarly, it was agreed that the board of the proposed authority would include 10 members from the private sector. While the government and chamber of commerce and industries officials would be the ex-officio members. The total strength of the board would arrive at 27 members.

The official said that following the amendments proposed in the last cabinet meeting, the Draft Act was again sent to the prime minister for placing before the relevant authority for approval. Replying a query, the official said that that it was yet to be decided that the proposed authority to be established through an Act of parliament or ordinance.