Editorial
In a debate of extraordinary significance on the motion of postponement, the Punjab Assembly collectively took a firm stand on the constitutional ownership and control of provincial civil service positions. Both opposition and treasury benches voiced support for the motion, raising critical questions about Pakistan’s civil service framework and the role of federal influence in provincial administration.
Distinguished members including Syed Zulfiqar Shah, Amjad Ali Javed, Ahmed Iqbal, and Raja Sahib emphasized that all provincial posts are constitutionally the property of the provincial assembly. They stressed that neither the federal government nor the Establishment Division has the authority to exercise control over these positions through executive orders or administrative directives.
A crucial point in the debate highlighted the lack of clarity regarding the legal basis under which the Chief Secretary is appointed by the federal government. Article 240(b) of the Constitution is unambiguous: provincial services and posts fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the provinces. The members unanimously agreed that provincial autonomy is the very spirit of the Constitution and that provinces must exercise their constitutional authority and vested powers independently, without interference from any other institution.
Another critical issue raised was the deviation from constitutional norms, where administrative heads of departments should be ministers, not secretaries. However, in practice, secretaries have been made de facto heads, which directly contradicts the constitutional framework.
The Punjab Assembly’s collective and explicit position marks a historic step in asserting provincial rights. It sets a precedent that other provincial assemblies should also take up this vital cause, reinforcing the principle of provincial self-governance enshrined in the Constitution. As discussions continue in future sessions, this debate signals a renewed focus on respecting constitutional boundaries and protecting the autonomy of provincial administrations in Pakistan.
