Lawmakers Demand Investigation into Rs2.6 Trillion Spending on Devolved Ministries

ISLAMABAD: Lawmakers are calling for a thorough investigation into a staggering Rs2.6 trillion expenditure by the federal government on education and health ministries that were devolved to the provinces in 2010. This inquiry arises from concerns regarding the constitutional legitimacy of such spending over the past 16 years.

The issue was highlighted during a meeting of the Senate Functional Committee on Devolution, chaired by Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro. The committee challenged the legal basis for this substantial financial outlay on sectors that were formally transferred to provincial control under the 18th Amendment, emphasizing that the federal government is constitutionally barred from funding areas that no longer fall under its legislative authority.

Committee members described the massive expenditure as a clear misallocation of taxpayer money and an unjustified drain on public resources. They underscored that public funds belong to the citizens and should be allocated only for federal subjects, as mandated by the constitution.

Senator Ghumro expressed disappointment that the requested details regarding this expenditure had not been provided within the designated timeframe. The committee plans to pursue further action to ensure accountability and transparency in public spending, with expectations of upcoming meetings to address these critical issues.