LAHORE, Dec 9 The Punjab cabinet authorised on Wednesday Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to consult with his other three counterparts on deciding the next National Finance Commission (NFC) award on the basis of a basket of criteria instead of the thus far sole criterion of population.

The shift in Punjab's policy came in view of the federal government's demand for helping smaller provinces, particularly Balochistan, even if it affects it (Punjab), official sources informed Dawn.

In earlier awards, population has been the only criterion for the distribution of resources which other provinces believe has only benefited the most populous Punjab.

Sources said other criteria which the chief minister would discuss with his counterparts who have arrived in Lahore to take part in the NFC meeting included area (Balochistan), revenue (Sindh), and backwardness and poverty (the NWFP).

They said the cabinet agreed that population should not be the sole criterion for deciding the distribution of national resources to the provinces through the NFC award.

They said with this shift in policy, the Punjab would demand a 60 per cent share for the provinces instead of the previous 45 per cent to make up for the losses it could suffer while going for the basket of criteria.

They said the Punjab would agree to withdraw its standpoint on sharing the resources on the basis of population not to the extent of forever burying its case that it was the most populous province and therefore needed more funds.

“The cabinet authorised the chief minister to discuss other options with his counterparts merely to fulfill a formality and to establish that he is doing so with full support from his colleagues. Otherwise, we have already decided to go for other options to create harmony among provinces,” a senior official said.

He said the PML-N Punjab government itself wanted to give more to Balochistan to win over its people, making its roots in the province.

Also, an official handout said the cabinet authorised the chief minister to finalise Punjab's recommendations for the NFC Award on the proposal of PPP's senior minister Raja Riaz.

Speaking at the cabinet meeting, the chief minister said the teams from all provinces had shown camaraderie in giving a final shape to the next NFC Award.

“Our view is that all provinces should be given additional share because this will strengthen them and the federation as well,” he said.

He said progress of the people of the most backward areas in Pakistan was the responsibility of all, and Punjab would lead other provinces in fulfilling this duty.

The chief minister said that the new NFC award would benefit all provinces, including Punjab, bringing prosperity to them and the country.