Federal Encroachment Criticized: Association Advocates for Provincial Rights.

By M.Ilyas
PESHAWAR- The Association of Administrative Federalism, Pakistan has penned a poignant letter to the Honorable Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighting the constitutional imperative for provincial autonomy in civil service appointments. The missive, addressed to the Chief Minister, underscores the fundamental role of provincial governments in appointing key administrative officials, particularly the Chief Secretary, within their jurisdictions. The association asserts that the power to appoint the Chief Secretary lies squarely with the Chief Minister, as mandated by the constitution. Drawing attention to the constitutional framework delineating powers between the federal and provincial governments, the letter elucidates the division of legislative authority through the federal legislative lists. It emphasizes that while certain matters fall within the purview of the federal government, many crucial areas, including civil service appointments, are the prerogative of provincial authorities. Furthermore, the association highlights the proliferation of federal ministries, many of which encroach upon areas reserved for provincial governance. It criticizes the expansion of federal ministries beyond the constitutionally mandated scope and condemns the practice of appointing federal civil servants to provincial posts without legal basis. Expressing concern over the perpetuation of this practice through a purported agreement dating back to 1949, the association calls for transparency and accountability in civil service appointments. It urges the Chief Minister to exercise his constitutional authority and appoint a Chief Secretary from within the Provincial Civil Service, while also requesting access to the alleged agreement for scrutiny. Noman Wazir, President of the Association of Administrative Federalism, Pakistan, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to upholding the principles of provincial autonomy and accountability in governance. The letter signals a resolute stance against federal encroachment on provincial autonomy, echoing the sentiments of many advocates for administrative federalism across the nation. As the debate over the distribution of powers between federal and provincial entities intensifies, the association’s plea serves as a poignant reminder of the constitutional imperatives underlying Pakistan’s federal structure.