ISLAMABAD: The Senate Functional Committee on Devolution unanimously agreed on Monday to recommend the abolition of the Ministries of Industries and Production and Energy (Petroleum Division), proposing that their responsibilities be devolved to the provinces.
Chaired by Senator Zarqa Suharwardy, the committee suggested that further recommendations regarding the distribution of these responsibilities to provinces or the Council of Common Interests (CCI) would be made in subsequent sessions.
During the meeting, concerns were raised about the Ministry of Industries and Production, particularly regarding the hiring of 2,200 employees for the closed Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and the creation of 70 new companies by the Petroleum Division. The chairperson questioned the logic behind continuing investments in PSM while private steel mills remained operational and profitable.
The committee also addressed the issue of PSM’s Rs440 million gas bill, despite the mill being non-operational. Officials responded that the gas supply to PSM had been discontinued. Additionally, the committee sought a report on urea sales and exports by major fertilizer companies, as well as details on subsidies provided.
The performance of the Petroleum Division over the last two financial years was also scrutinized, with particular attention to the creation of new companies. Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro expressed concern over this expansion, suggesting that it exceeded government authority. The committee requested details of the boards of these companies.
A representative from the Power Division requested an in-camera meeting to discuss the implications of devolving the ministry, while the committee also called for a briefing on achievements in sports by the Secretary of Inter-Provincial Coordination, highlighting the lack of support for athletes like Arshad Nadeem.
The committee’s recommendations mark a significant step toward the devolution of federal responsibilities to the provinces, with further deliberations expected in the coming weeks.
Story by Amin Ahmed
