16 years after 18th amendment, provinces still seek equal rights in oil and gas resources

Islamabad, October 13: The Senate Functional Committee on Devolution has raised concerns over delays in implementing constitutional provisions related to provincial representation in federal government jobs and equal participation in the management of oil and gas resources.

Islamabad, October 13: The Senate Functional Committee on Devolution has raised concerns over delays in implementing constitutional provisions related to provincial representation in federal government jobs and equal participation in the management of oil and gas resources.

Chaired by Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro the committee called for practical measures to address the continued underrepresentation of Sindh and Balochistan in federal services despite previous instructions to prioritize recruitment from these provinces.

The committee directed the Establishment Division to develop a comprehensive mechanism covering recruitment and promotions across federal ministries, departments, corporations and autonomous institutions. It ordered officials to submit a compliance report within two weeks.

Members also questioned the absence of representatives from the Federal Public Service Commission and provincial energy departments. Show-cause notices were issued to the absent officials, with the committee warning that further action could be taken.

During the meeting at Parliament Lodges in Islamabad the committee reviewed provincial representation across federal positions ranging from Basic Pay Scale 1 to 22. Senator Ghumro noted that representation from Balochistan remained particularly low in senior positions across federal government divisions.

The Establishment Division secretary assured members that constitutional requirements would be observed. He said provincial shares would be calculated to facilitate recruitment in accordance with the applicable framework.

The committee also examined Article 172(3) of the Constitution which provides for joint ownership of oil and natural gas resources by the federal government and the provinces. Members expressed concern that a clear operational framework had yet to be established despite previous discussions through the Council of Common Interests.

The Petroleum Division was instructed to consult provincial stakeholders and submit a detailed implementation plan within 15 days. Possible options discussed included allocating provinces half of the profits generated by oil and gas companies or transferring control of half of the relevant wellheads. “These were proposals to be considered,” not decisions already made.

Additionally the committee discussed public finances the 7th National Finance Commission Award and the fiscal pressures facing governments. Senator Ghumro cited federal expenditure of approximately Rs19 trillion against combined tax and non-tax revenue of around Rs20 trillion arguing that government spending required significant attention.

The committee emphasized parliamentary oversight constitutional compliance and fair provincial representation calling for concrete action instead of further administrative delays.

The meeting also pointed out the ongoing challenges in fulfilling provincial rights enshrined in the Constitution, particularly concerning federal job opportunities and the joint management of Pakistan’s oil and gas resources.