PPP Calls for Abolition of Federal Ministries

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has called for the abolition of 17 federal ministries that were supposed to be devolved to the provinces following the 18th Amendment. The party also demanded a new National Finance Commission (NFC) award to strengthen democratic governance and the rule of law. PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro emphasized the need for full materialization of provincial autonomy as outlined in the 18th Constitutional Amendment. He highlighted that by eliminating these ministries, the Centre could save approximately Rs300 billion. Khuhro also advocated for a new NFC award in 2025, with a committee to be established this year to enhance the provincial share.

Khuhro stressed that according to the Constitution, provinces' share in the award can be increased but not decreased. He criticized the caretaker provincial government for failing to address lawlessness in Sukkur and Larkana divisions, where bandits had taken refuge in riverbed areas. Khuhro mentioned that action against these outlaws was lacking during the interim government's tenure. He noted that the police, with support from the Rangers, were now targeting the bandits' hideouts.

Regarding the upcoming public gathering to commemorate the 45th death anniversary of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Khuhro announced that the event would take place in Garhi Khuda Bux, Larkana, on April 14. The NFC Award, a critical mechanism in Pakistan's fiscal federalism, determines the distribution of financial resources between the federal and provincial governments. It is revised every five years to ensure equitable resource allocation based on factors like population, revenue generation, backwardness, and resource availability.

The NFC Award plays a vital role in promoting fiscal harmony and addressing grievances related to resource distribution among Pakistan's provinces. It is a key component of the country's federal structure, aimed at fostering balanced development and reducing regional disparities.