ISLAMABAD: A Senate panel on Monday called for halting the privatisation of power distribution companies (Discos), directing the Privatisation Commission to place the matter before the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and warning of parliamentary action if it attempted to proceed without fresh approval.
The Senate Subcommittee on Devolution, chaired by Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro, expressed serious reservations over the commission’s response seeking continuation of the privatisation process without CCI approval.
“Discos are performing provincial functions which must either be legalised by seeking approval of provincial assemblies or transferred to provinces,” the committee observed.
It stressed that matters involving provinces must be placed before the CCI and handled transparently, noting concerns raised over the privatisation of Pakistan Steel Mills and PIA.
Refers matter to Council of Common Interests, warns of parliamentary action if PC defies directive
Chairman Ghumro warned the commission to comply with the committee’s earlier directions or face parliamentary action.
The meeting was attended by Senators Jan Muhammad Buledi and Poonjo Bheel, federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, secretaries of the cabinet and establishment divisions and senior officials.
The panel reviewed compliance reports on the devolution of subjects under the 18th Amendment and the status of federal institutions dealing with provincial and CCI matters. It also considered reports on ministries, departments, programmes, institutions, statutory bodies, corporations and companies retained by the federal government since 2011 despite dealing with devolved subjects.
The convener said the committee had directed the abolition of 24 ministries and organisations dealing with provincial and CCI matters and sought a reduction in federal expenditure from Rs19 trillion to Rs13tr.
He said total tax and non-tax revenue stood at Rs20tr against federal expenditure of almost Rs19tr, calling for a constitutional audit of the federal government’s size and expenditure.
He also directed the Auditor General and Controller General of Accounts to submit audited expenditure on ministries and organisations dealing with provincial and CCI matters over the past 16 years.
“Such unconstitutional expenditure can’t be allowed when the country is facing an economic crisis. Not a penny shall be spent on devolved or CCI matters being handled by the federal government,” he said.
The cabinet secretary informed the committee that a note on the matter had been forwarded to the prime minister and described the CCI as an important constitutional forum.
Policing, media devolution
The committee was informed that policing was primarily a provincial subject, while the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) had been retained under Article 240.
Mr Ghumro, referring to the omission of Entry 16 of the erstwhile Concurrent List, questioned the retention of the PSP by the federal government. The establishment division was asked to submit its comments within two weeks.
On media devolution, the committee examined a report on transferring broadcasting and telecasting functions to provinces under Article 159 and devolving print media matters.
Mr Tarar said existing rules and constitutional provisions would be examined and sought a month to consult provincial governments and develop models for devolving media functions. The chairman directed the submission of a comprehensive proposal within a month.
Thar coal project
The panel also reviewed briefings on electricity generated from Thar coal, its supply to local communities and environmental measures.
Officials said Thar-generated electricity was being supplied to the national grid, while subsidy arrangements for consumers in Islamkot were under consideration.
While Mr Ghumro termed the Thar project a game changer, Senator Poonjo Bheel raised concerns about employment opportunities for local people.
The convener said the prime minister must act on the committee’s recommendations, including abolishing ministries dealing with provincial and CCI subjects and placing matters under Federal Legislative List Part-II before the CCI instead of the federal cabinet.
Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2026
