ISLAMABAD: A sub-committee of the Senate Functional Committee on Devolution convened at the Parliament House under the leadership of Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro to review federal expenditure on provincial subjects and examine the proposed privatization of power distribution companies. The meeting addressed concerns over federal spending on devolved sectors like education and health, in light of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, and scrutinized the compliance of relevant federal departments with parliamentary directives.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee discussed an Auditor General of Pakistan report highlighting federal expenditures of approximately Rs. 2.6 trillion over 16 years on ministries related to education and health, which were designated as provincial matters in 2010. Senator Ghumro emphasized the necessity of parliamentary oversight to ensure compliance with constitutional mandates, questioning the authorization of such expenses and urging the Auditor General to clarify the legal basis for these expenditures. He stressed that public funds, drawn from taxpayers, must be used appropriately and scrutinized thoroughly.

The committee also examined compliance reports from the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and various federal divisions, noting that a CCI meeting planned for October 9 did not occur. The proposed privatization of power distribution companies was another focal point, with the committee questioning its alignment with constitutional provisions and the role of the CCI. The Minister of Privatization defended the process, citing fulfilled legal requirements, but the committee stressed the importance of transparency and provincial involvement.

The committee directed relevant authorities to provide comprehensive documentation to facilitate its evaluation, reiterating its commitment to ensuring constitutional adherence and transparency in federal expenditures and privatization efforts.