ISLAMABAD: The Sub-Committee of the Senate Functional Committee on Devolution urged full implementation of constitutional provisions on provincial representation in federal services and on the boards of directors of oil and gas entities, and directed the relevant division to review the past omissions and propose corrective measures.
The Sub-Committee of the Senate Functional Committee on Devolution met on Tuesday under Convener Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro to review laws, rules and the ESTA Code relating to the implementation of Article 38(g) on provincial representation in federal services, and to examine mechanisms for its effective enforcement.
It also reviewed provincial representation on the boards of directors of natural gas, oil and other public entities to ensure joint federal-provincial control in line with Article 172(3) of the Constitution, which mandates shared ownership of oil and gas resources. It also expressed displeasure over the absence of the federal minister and federal secretary of the Establishment Division, and emphasised that ministers and senior government officials must attend parliamentary committee meetings.
Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro questioned the federal government’s seriousness regarding the implementation of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, stating that delays and shortcomings undermine the spirit of federalism and the Constitution and creates disparities and fosters resentment among the federating units.
Referring specifically to Article 38(g), he noted that the federal government is constitutionally obligated to ensure equitable provincial representation in federal services but also address and rectify past omissions. The committee was briefed on measures taken to improve provincial representation through the Special CSS examination, wherein vacant posts of Balochistan and Sindh, were filled.
Officials informed the committee that provincial shares for direct recruitment are currently determined by the federal government. However, members questioned the criteria used for allocating provincial shares in All Pakistan Services. The committee also sought clarification on the rationale behind the division of Sindh’s share into urban and rural categories. The convener directed the Establishment Division to submit, within two weeks, comprehensive details regarding provincial representation across all federal ministries, divisions and departments, along with the criteria and basis used for determining existing provincial shares in federal services. He further instructed the division to review past omissions and submit proposals for corrective measures.
The Petroleum Division briefed the committee on the composition of boards of directors of oil and gas companies, stating they are constituted under the SOEs Act with provincial representation in line with constitutional requirements. The committee raised concerns over the nomination process and stressed the need for meaningful consultation with provincial governments to ensure legal and constitutional validity. The convener directed the Petroleum Division to institutionalise such consultations, review existing boards with provinces, and submit details and profiles of board members, particularly from Balochistan. The Special Secretary assured compliance.
