ISLAMABAD: The Senate Functional Committee on Devolution convened a meeting chaired by Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro to address critical constitutional issues concerning provincial representation in federal services and the implementation of Article 172(3) regarding natural resources. According to Senate of Pakistan, the meeting included attendance by several senators, secretaries, and senior officers from relevant governmental bodies, and focused on the lack of proper mechanisms for implementing constitutional provisions related to provincial shares in federal services and joint control over natural resources.

The Committee identified significant gaps in the representation of certain provinces, such as Balochistan, at senior federal administrative levels, emphasizing the need for equitable recruitment and promotion practices across government ministries and bodies. Concerns were raised over the absence of Federal Public Service Commission representatives, prompting the Committee to demand adherence to constitutional quotas and assurance of compliance from the Secretary Establishment.

Furthermore, the Committee expressed dissatisfaction with delays in implementing Article 172(3) of the Constitution, which mandates shared management of natural gas and petroleum resources between the federal government and provinces. Despite the passage of the 18th Constitutional Amendment 16 years ago, a concrete framework for joint management and revenue distribution remains unrealized. The Committee instructed the Ministry of Petroleum to develop a comprehensive plan in collaboration with provincial stakeholders and report back within 15 days.

The Committee also addressed fiscal challenges connected to devolved subjects and the 7th National Finance Commission Award, noting the federation’s and provinces’ financial constraints. A Sub-Committee was formed to examine provincial shares in federal services, and the Secretary Establishment Division was tasked with ensuring compliance with representation mandates, particularly for Balochistan.

Show cause notices were issued to provincial secretaries of Energy and the Federal Public Service Commission for non-attendance, with warnings of strict action for continued non-compliance. The Committee underscored the importance of provincial engagement in securing their shares in federal services and natural resource management.