THE federal cabinet in a special meeting has finally approved of the devolution of seven federal ministries under the 18th Amendment. The meeting was presided over by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, who congratulated political parties and the nation and claimed that with completion of the devolution process, his government had fulfilled its promise. The prime minister repeatedly said that the government was doing well and it would use all available resources to meet the commitments it had made to the nation during the last elections.

The devolution of the federal ministries is a commendable step taken by the government in the best interests of the provinces. However, the nation has so far not felt any positive change with the devolution of the ministries that were shifted [into the purview of] the provinces earlier. The country is in the grip of an acute price hike, lawlessness and unemployment. In the prevailing circumstances the mere transfer of ministries is not enough; people want to see a positive change in their life. The deteriorating law and order situation, prolonged and unscheduled loadshedding and joblessness have made the lives of people extremely miserable. The nation had given a heavy mandate to the ruling political parties in the last general elections so that they [the parties] would focus on finding solutions to their problems. The people also attached great expectations to the much-publicised devolution plan.

Of course, it is the duty of the government to devise a comprehensive plan for overcoming the energy crisis, unemployment and for improving the law and order situation. People have had enough of hollow slogans and cannot wait any longer. They want to see some practical steps taken as result of the devolution of the ministries. It is clear to all that in the next elections, people will vote for a party that has the ability to deliver. — (June 29)

Selected and translated by Ali Hazrat Bacha