ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary panel on Monday highlighted stark disparities in provincial representation within the Federal Secretariat, noting that Punjab and Islamabad together occupy 67.22% of positions, while Balochistan holds a mere 2.82%. The Sub-Committee of the Senate Functional Committee on Devolution, chaired by Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro, also flagged that key oil and gas producing provinces remain inadequately represented on the boards of state-owned exploration and production (E&P) companies.
Federal Secretariat Dominated by Punjab and Islamabad
Officials briefed the committee on the province-wise distribution of employees across the Federal Secretariat, attached departments, subordinate offices, civil armed forces, and constitutional bodies. Out of 13,133 employees in the Federal Secretariat, 8,828 (67.22%) belonged to Punjab (including Islamabad), followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 1,796 (13.68%), Sindh with 1,490 (11.35%), Balochistan with 379 (2.82%), Azad Jammu and Kashmir with 366 (2.79%), erstwhile FATA with 146 (1.11%), and Gilgit-Baltistan with 128 (0.97%).
The committee reviewed these figures and sought further details on the criteria and mechanisms governing appointments and recruitment across various ministries and divisions. Senator Ghumro observed that the existing population-based criteria had not ensured equitable representation of all provinces in federal services.
Directive for Comprehensive Report on Representation
The sub-committee directed the Establishment Division to submit, within one week, a comprehensive report on provincial representation, vacant posts, and the basis for determining provincial shares in federal institutions. The report must also include proposals to address disparities and ensure effective implementation of constitutional provisions. The Establishment Division undertook to devise an effective mechanism to fill vacant positions and present a plan with clear timelines to the committee within a week.
Additionally, the committee was informed that 3,384 posts allocated to Balochistan were currently lying vacant. The convener directed officials to provide a comprehensive province-wise breakdown of all vacant posts across federal institutions and submit a detailed report within one week, highlighting vacancies and proposing measures to ensure fair representation.
Oil and Gas Board Representation Under Scrutiny
The sub-committee also examined the composition of boards of directors of oil and gas companies and corporations. The convener noted that while both federal and provincial representatives could be appointed to these boards, key producing provinces remained inadequately represented. He pointed out that a substantial share of the country’s oil and gas resources, particularly through Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), originates from Sindh and Balochistan, yet these provinces lack commensurate representation on the board.
Senator Ghumro emphasized that Article 172 of the Constitution envisages equal participation of the federation and the provinces in matters relating to oil and gas. He stressed that board compositions should fully reflect this constitutional principle. The Petroleum Division undertook to initiate correspondence with provinces regarding their representation on boards of oil and gas companies and the issue of equal shares. The convener directed officials to review existing board compositions and ensure that provincial shareholding and representation are adequately reflected, in line with constitutional provisions governing the management and control of natural oil and gas.
Review of Constitutional Provisions and Next Steps
The sub-committee reviewed laws, rules, and the ESTA Code relating to the implementation of Article 38(g) of the Constitution, which aims to ensure equitable representation of all provinces in federal services. The committee also examined mechanisms to ensure effective enforcement of this article in true letter and spirit. Senator Ghumro reiterated that the population-based criteria had not achieved the desired balance and called for a more nuanced approach.
The meeting was attended by Senator Poojo Bheel, while Senator Jan Muhammad participated as a special invitee. The committee is expected to reconvene after receiving the reports from the Establishment Division and the Petroleum Division.
