From the Parliament House Islamabad
The Sub-Committee of the Senate Functional Committee on Devolution met today at Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges, Islamabad, under the convenorship of Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro to review the implementation of Article 38(g) of the Constitution, examine relevant laws, rules, and the ESTA Code, and discuss provincial representation on the Boards of Directors of natural gas, oil, and other public entities in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The meeting was attended by Senator Poonjo Bheel and Officials from Establishment division and Petroleum Division.
At the outset, the Committee reviewed the implementation of constitutional provisions concerning the right to livelihood under Article 38(g) and expressed serious concern over approximately 275,000 vacant posts in the Federal Government despite budgetary allocations. The Committee emphasized that these vacancies should be filled expeditiously to uphold citizens’ constitutional right to employment opportunities.
The Committee further noted that there is shortfall of at least 83000 posts of Province of Sindh in all posts and 27000 of Balochistan in all positions.It was directed that Shares of Provinces may be rectified in earlier notifications and maintained first as per article 38(g) of the Constitution. Establishment Division undertook to create Cell for this purpose and undertake the exercise forthwith. Futhermore it was directed that they will submit required documents and timeline within a week.
The Convener observed that while unemployment remains a major challenge in the country, a significant number of government posts continue to lie vacant despite the availability of budgetary allocations.
He remarked that thousands of graduates complete their university education every year but struggle to secure employment, even though numerous sanctioned positions remain unfilled. He stressed that these vacancies should be filled without further delay to provide employment opportunities to deserving candidates.
Meanwhile, the Committee directed the Establishment Division to provide a comprehensive timeline for filling vacant posts from BS 1 to 16, furnish the schedule for recruitment through the Federal Public Service Commission for BS-16 and BS-17 positions, and submit details regarding the convening of Promotion Boards for officers in BS 18 to 22.
Moreover, the Convener sought details regarding the profits earned by oil and gas companies, including the amount of profit generated and its distribution. The officials informed the Committee that the profits are distributed among the shareholders.
The Convener directed the relevant authorities to submit a comprehensive report to the Secretary Committee within two days, detailing the profits earned over the past sixteen years and providing complete information on how those profits were utilized.
Additionally, the Convener further directed that letters be issued to the provincial governments requesting them to submit their nominations for the respective Boards of Directors. He also instructed the officials not to nominate representatives on behalf of the provinces, emphasizing that it is the responsibility of the provincial governments to nominate their own representatives.
Subsequently, Ministry of Petroleum informed the Committee that they have written a letter to all Chief Secretaries that Provincial representation on Boards as well as ownership of Shares is required under Article 172(3) of the Constitution and it requires to be ensured. The Ministry undertook that the Consultation process with provinces regarding nominations and Ownership of Shares shall be initiated.
The Convenor, though appreciated the step of the Ministry but emphasised that Ministry needs to implement the Constitutional provision in gas and oil producing provinces with letter and spirit.
