ISLAMABAD: The Senate Functional Committee on Devolution has called for an effective mechanism to ensure joint and equal control of oil and gas resources by the federal government and provinces, urging the Petroleum Division to develop a clear implementation framework within 15 days.
The committee expressed concern that, despite 16 years having passed since the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the constitutional provisions governing joint ownership of natural resources and equitable revenue sharing remain inadequately implemented.
The committee proposed that provinces should either receive 50 per cent of the profits generated by oil and gas companies or be given control over half of the oil and gas wellheads to ensure their rightful share in these resources.
Chaired by Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro, the meeting reviewed the implementation of Article 172(3) of the Constitution, which provides for joint and equal ownership of mineral oil and natural gas by the federal government and the provinces.
Members expressed dissatisfaction with repeated procedural delays by the Petroleum Division, observing that referring devolved matters to the Council of Common Interests (CCI) without tangible progress undermined the legislature’s intent.
The chairman directed the Petroleum Division to consult all relevant provincial stakeholders and formulate a comprehensive mechanism for implementing Article 172(3). The division was instructed to submit a detailed implementation report within 15 days.
The committee also reviewed provincial representation in federal services from Basic Pay Scale (BPS) 1 to 22, including corporations, statutory bodies and autonomous institutions, under Article 38(g) of the Constitution.
It noted the absence of an effective mechanism to ensure provincial representation in federal recruitment and promotions, particularly at senior administrative levels. The chairman highlighted the underrepresentation of provinces, especially Balochistan, across several of the 38 federal government divisions.
The committee examined compliance reports submitted by federal divisions and the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) following directives issued by the Establishment Division. It also expressed concern over the absence of FPSC representatives, noting the commission’s direct role in federal recruitment.
The Establishment Division secretary assured the committee that constitutional provisions would be implemented and clarified that employees drawing salaries from the federal government fell within the scope of the provincial quota framework. He added that provincial quotas, particularly Balochistan’s share, would be calculated and the required positions filled.
Separately, Senator Ghumro raised concerns over federal spending, stating that federal expenditure stood at approximately Rs19 trillion against total national tax and non-tax revenues of around Rs20 trillion. He called for a substantial reduction in federal expenditure.
The committee’s deliberations highlighted the need for clearer institutional arrangements to implement constitutional guarantees on natural resource ownership, revenue sharing and provincial representation in federal institutions.
