Senate Panel Reveals Rs5 Trillion Spent on Devolved Subjects in Violation of Constitution

News Desk

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has reportedly spent over Rs5 trillion on devolved provincial subjects and ministries related to the Council of Common Interests (CCI), a violation of the Constitution, according to Senator Barrister Zamir Hussain Ghumro, head of a Senate panel.

During a session on Tuesday, Ghumro cited data from the Auditor General of Pakistan, highlighting that this expenditure amounts to more than $18 billion.

He emphasized the pressing issues of excessive federal spending and a staggering national debt of $135 billion, which he claims are crippling the economy.

Ghumro pointed out that the current federal expenditure is approximately Rs19 trillion, while the total tax and non-tax revenue stands at Rs20 trillion.

This financial imbalance leaves provinces with little to no resources, compelling the federal government to rely heavily on borrowing to meet its obligations.

The senator argued that had the government fully implemented the 18th Amendment, which mandates the devolution of provincial matters and the establishment of a permanent CCI secretariat as outlined in Article 154 of the Constitution, Pakistan would not be in such a precarious financial situation.