On the day remembered for abolishment of the one unit, provinces are formally taking over the control of 17 federal ministries devolved under the 18th Constitutional Amendment from today. This was expressed by the leader of Constitutional Reforms Committee, Senator Raza Rabbani, while speaking at a press conference in the Sindh Chief Minister’s House on Thursday. “Provincial autonomy given under the 18th Constitutional Amendment cannot be considered an ideal [situation] but it is the biggest step in history towards provincial autonomy in Pakistan,” said Rabbani, adding that the next parliament will have to forward the job done by the current parliament. “Pakistan’s federal structure would be seen as an exemplary model after complete devolution, if it is compared to other countries of the region having a federal structure.”
The senior leader of the ruling Pakistan People’s Party was of the view that through the 18th Amendment, basic changes have been made in the country’s constitution for the first time since the country’s creation in 1947. “Initially the provinces would face difficulties and problems regarding the devolved ministries, but [issues] can be taken up and resolved on the forum of Council of Common Interests (CCI). Transfer of assets of the devolved ministries can also be resolved through the CCI.” Rabbani appealed that the provincial governments focus on building their capacity and administrative efficiency to perform well in the devolved ministries as ‘the devolution of 17 ministries was not an easy job and political parties faced lot of difficulties and resistance.’ Responding to a question, the senator said that employees working in the ministries devolved would continue their jobs at their places; however, those posted in Islamabad would have to be accommodated in other departments.
