News Detail
Event Title: Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro, presiding over a meeting of The Senate Functional Committee on Devolution at Parliament Lodges Islamabad
Event Date: 2026-10-13
SENATE FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEE ON DEVOLUTION EXAMINES PROVINCIAL SHARES IN FEDERAL SERVICES AND IMPLEMENTATION OF CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS ON OIL AND GAS
A requisitioned meeting of the Senate Functional Committee on Devolution was held today at the Parliament Lodges, Islamabad, under the chairmanship of Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro, to deliberate on key constitutional matters regarding provincial representation in federal services and the implementation of Article 172(3) of the Constitution. The meeting was attended by Senators Jan Muhammad Buledi and Poonjo Bheel, Secretaries Cabinet, (CCI) Council of Common Interests, Establishment Division, the Special Secretary Establishment, the Additional Secretary Establishment, senior officers from the Ministry of Petroleum.
The Committee observed that no proper mechanism exists in the Federal Governments for implementation of Article 38(g) and 172(3) regarding shares of provinces in Federal Services including recruitment and promotions from BPS 1 to 22 and joint and equal control of provinces and Federal Government on natural gas and oil.
The meeting commenced with an in-depth review of the provincial share in federal services from BPS 1 to 22, including corporations, statutory bodies, and autonomous institutions, as mandated under Article 38(g) of the Constitution. The Committee examined compliance reports submitted by various federal government divisions and the Federal Public Service Commission following directives issued by the Establishment Division. During the discussions, the Chairperson noted that dedicated meetings were held to address these structural imbalances in Federal Government Services, observing that in 38 Divisions functioning within the federal setup, representation from provinces such as Balochistan remains severely low at senior administrative levels. The Committee stressed that recruitment and promotions must strictly adhere to constitutional Shares and be conducted on a merit and equitable basis across all federating Government Ministries/Division/Attached Departments/Sub Offices, Corporation and statutory bodies. The Secretary Establishment assured the Committee of full compliance with constitutional provisions, clarifying that all employees receiving salaries from the Government of Pakistan fall under the purview of these provincial Share framework. The Committee showed concerns over the absence of the representatives of the Federal Public Service Commission as the matter relates to provincial Shares in recruitment as well.
Turning to the second major agenda item, the Committee reviewed the implementation of Article 172(3) of the Constitution regarding joint and equal control of the federal government and the provinces over natural gas and petroleum resources. The Chair expressed deep concern over the absence of the Secretary Petroleum Division and observed that despite 16 years having elapsed since the passage of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, a comprehensive and operational framework for 50/50 joint management and revenue distribution has yet to be fully realized. Committee members expressed dissatisfaction with recurring procedural delays from the Ministry of Petroleum and noted that referring key devolved matters repeatedly to the Council of Common Interests without concrete progress undermines legislative intent. The Chair directed the Ministry of Petroleum, in consultation with all relevant provincial stakeholders, to formulate a clear, actionable mechanism for the implementation of Article 172(3) of the Constitution for joint and equal control of provinces and Federal Government on natural gas and Oil and submit a comprehensive implementation report to the Committee within 15 days.
The committee said that either Provinces may be given half of the amount from the profits of gas and oil companies or half the well heads of oil and gas may be handed over to them
Additionally, during briefings on the financial implications of devolved subjects and the 7th National Finance Commission Award, the Committee noted the fiscal challenges faced by the federation and provinces, reaffirming its commitment to exercise its parliamentary oversight for ensuring constitutional compliance and safeguard for provincial rights. He said Federal expenditure stood around Rs 19 trillion whereas total tax and non tax revenue of the Coubtry is Rs 20 trillion which should be cause of concern for all. It must be slashed drastically.
The Committee also constituted a Sub-Committee regarding share of Provinces in Federal Services in all grades including corporations, institutions, statutory bodies as per Article 38(g ) of the Constitution.
Secretary Establishment Division said that shares of Provinces and particularly Balochistan shall be computed and jobs shall be provided.
Senator Zamir Hussain Ghunro said that letters were issued by Establishment Division to all ministries and Division as well as Federal Public Service Commission for filling in posts of Sindh and Balochistan on priority basis as they lacked representation but no compliance reports have been submitted. He said that Establishnent Division shall formulate a mechanism to secure shares of Provinces in all kinds of Appointments including appointments by promotion and submit compliance report to the Committee within two weeks.
Committee issued show cause notices to Provibcial secretaries of Energy and FPSC for not attending the meeting and warned that strict action shall be taken against them. He said if provinces are least bothered about their share and Services as well as in oil and gas reserves, it speaks volumes about their efficiency.