Convener Senate Sub-committee on Devolution Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro directed the Auditor General of Pakistan and Controller General of Accounts to submit an audited report of expenditure over the past 16 years on federal ministries and organisations dealing with provincial and Council of Common Interests (CCI) subjects, saying the spending could amount to trillions of rupees. Ghumro expressed displeasure over the non-receipt of the meeting agenda from the two officials and said such expenditure could not be justified amid the economic crisis.
He said no public money should be spent on devolved or CCI matters handled by the federal government. The sub-committee reviewed implementation of the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the status of federal institutions dealing with provincial and CCI subjects. Ghumro recalled its recommendation to abolish 24 such ministries and organisations, potentially reducing federal expenditure from Rs19 trillion to Rs13 trillion.
He noted that federal tax and non-tax revenue stood at about Rs20 trillion and called for a constitutional audit of the size and expenditure of the federal government. On policing, officials said policing was primarily a provincial subject but the Police Service of Pakistan had been retained under Article 240. Ghumro questioned its federal retention following omission of Entry 16 of the Concurrent List and directed the Establishment Division to submit comments within two weeks.
The committee also examined devolution of broadcasting and print media. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the constitutional and legal position would be reviewed and consultations held with provincial governments on transferring media functions and building capacity. The committee sought a comprehensive proposal within a month and also discussed broadcasting infrastructure and transmitter requirements in the provinces.
The sub-committee raised constitutional concerns over the proposed privatisation of distribution companies (Discos), saying provincial matters should be placed before the CCI. Ghumro directed the Privatisation Commission to review its position and warned of parliamentary action, including a possible privilege motion. The committee said Discos performing provincial functions should either be legalised through provincial assemblies or transferred to the provinces.
The committee also reviewed Thar coal electricity generation, subsidies, employment and environmental measures. Officials said electricity was being supplied to the national grid, while the provincial government was contributing towards subsidies for consumers in Islamkot and surrounding areas. Senator Poonjo Bheel called for greater employment and development benefits for local communities.
Officials also briefed the committee on transmission projects in the region, including schemes targeted for completion in 2028. The committee will await the Prime Minister's response to its recommendations, including abolishing ministries dealing with provincial and CCI subjects and placing Federal List Part II matters before the CCI rather than the federal cabinet. Concerned ministries and departments were directed to submit compliance reports within the stipulated timelines.