The federal cabinet has approved the devolution of the remaining seven ministries under the third and final phase of the 18th amendment devolution plan. It is a tremendous success. The Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms has achieved a milestone with the completion of this process.
Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has declared July 1, 2011, to be observed as ‘Provincial Autonomy Day’. If we recall history, one significant happening took place in 1970 on the same day of July 1.
The then ruler General Yahya Khan dissolved One-Unit plan into four original provinces on this very day. It is for the first time in the country’s history that the federation has devolved its powers to the provinces to make them autonomous.
No doubt transfer of various ministries, divisions and organisations from the centre to the provinces would strengthen the democracy and country as a whole. This will empower the general public and more resources will be used for their benefit. Now, only five ministries are left with the federal government including Foreign Affairs, Defence, Communication, Finance and Revenue.
It is an achievement of the present government to have accomplished the task of restoring the 1973 Constitution.
H M IRFAN
Islamabad
