A Senate sub-committee has barred the federal government from nominating directors to the boards of oil and gas companies on behalf of provinces, directing that federating units be allowed to recommend their own nominees instead. The Sub-Committee of the Senate Functional Committee on Devolution met under the convenorship of Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro.
Constitutional Implementation and Vacant Posts
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.
Provincial Representation in Oil and Gas Boards
The Senate panel reviewed the implementation of Article 38(g) of the Constitution, examined relevant laws, rules, and the ESTA Code, and discussed provincial representation on the boards of directors of natural gas, oil, and other public entities in accordance with constitutional provisions. The committee noted that there is a shortfall of at least 83,000 posts for the province of Sindh in all posts and 27,000 for 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. The Establishment Division undertook to create a cell for this purpose and undertake the exercise forthwith. Furthermore, it was directed that they will submit required documents and timeline within a week.
Concerns Over Unemployment and Vacancies
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.
Directives for Recruitment and Promotion
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. 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.
Ministry of Petroleum and Profit Details
The 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 of the committee emphasised that the ministry needs to implement constitutional provisions in gas and oil producing provinces with letter and spirit. 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.
The meeting was attended by Senator Poonjo Bheel and officials from the Establishment and Petroleum Divisions.
