Senators Question Devolved Ministries’ ‘Revival’

Pakistan's Senate Standing Committee on Devolution has raised serious concerns regarding the federal government's re-establishment of ministries dealing with subjects that were constitutionally devolved to the provinces under the 18th Amendment. The committee, chaired by Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro, convened a meeting to discuss these perceived violations, which they argue contradict the federal structure and impose an undue financial burden.

Senator Ghumro stated that the continuation of federal ministries on devolved subjects not only defies the constitutional framework but also adds unnecessary expenses to the federal government, especially at a time when austerity measures are being implemented. He noted that initial notifications in 2010 and 2011 transferred 17 ministries related to concurrent and provincial subjects to the provinces. The re-creation of such ministries after June 30, 2011, dealing with these devolved subjects, is seen as a violation of the Constitution. Subjects like education, health, national food security, culture, and climate change were cited as examples where federal ministries continue to operate despite devolution.

The committee highlighted that the federal structure has expanded to 31 ministries, whereas the Constitution originally envisioned only nine federal ministries. This expansion, they argue, is unsustainable, particularly given the federal expenditure of Rs19 trillion against a total revenue of Rs20 trillion. Senator Ghumro suggested that capping the budget could save up to Rs6 trillion. A newly formed subcommittee will investigate the violations of the 2010 and 2011 notifications. Additionally, the committee instructed the cabinet division to abolish proposed ministries related to IT matters.

Other senators, including Poonjo Bheel and Jan Muhammad Buledi, called for the abolition of these ministries and a review of the Council of Common Interests' functionality. The establishment division was directed to cease appointments in devolved subjects and provide a compliance report within 15 days. The committee also requested details on payments made to provinces from oil and gas revenues over the past 16 years, and noted that Rs46 billion allocated for Quaid-i-Azam's mausoleum were diverted to the education ministry last year.

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The continuation of federal ministries on devolved subjects not only contradicts the constitutional scheme but also imposes an unnecessary financial burden on the federal government at a time when austerity measures are being implemented.