The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has called for the removal of 17 federal ministries that were intended to be devolved to provinces under the 18th Amendment, as well as a new National Finance Commission (NFC) award.
At a news conference in Larkana, PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro expressed hope that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) administration will embrace their demands for more democratic governance and the rule of law.
Khuhro emphasized that the regional autonomy envisioned in the 18th Constitutional Amendment had not yet been completely realized. He emphasized that by removing 17 ministries, the government might save around Rs300 billion.
He also advocated for a new NFC award in 2025, with a committee to be constituted this year. He preferred increasing the provincial share. “As per the Constitution, provinces’ share can be enhanced in the award but it can’t be reduced.”
When asked about the anarchy in the Sukkur and Larkana divisions, where bandits had sought sanctuary in riverbed regions, Khuhro accused the caretaker provincial administration for being weak in dealing with the criminals.
Khuhro said that no substantive action was taken against the katcha aras’ dacoits throughout the interim government’s eight-month tenure. He also stated that the police were assaulting the outlaws’ hideouts with the assistance of the Rangers.
The PPP’s provincial president remembered how it took a long time to bring down target murders and other crimes in Karachi after the Rangers started a full-fledged operation. “We should find out from where these criminals get advanced weaponry.”
Khuhro informed reporters that a public gathering commemorating Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s 45th death anniversary would take place on April 14 (tomorrow) at Garhi Khuda Bux, Larkana. The ceremony will begin about 3 p.m., he noted.
The NFC Award plays a key role in Pakistan’s fiscal federalism. It determines the allocation of financial resources between the federal and provincial governments. The prize is formed under Article 160 of Pakistan’s Constitution.
The NFC Award is normally changed every five years with the goal of ensuring equal distribution of financial resources across provinces based on a variety of variables including population, income generation, backwardness, and resource availability.
The award is discussed between the federal government and provincial government officials, with the goal of achieving an agreement on the distribution formula. Once agreed upon, the NFC Award is enacted by a constitutional change.
The NFC Award is critical in promoting fiscal concord and resolving resource allocation issues among Pakistan’s federating units. It is a pillar of the country’s federal system, designed to promote balanced growth and solve regional inequities.
Maria Ghanchi