KARACHI: Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Raza Rabbani said on Monday that five more ministries would be transferred to the provinces in the first week of March and this devolution process would be completed by June 30.

Speaking to Dawn after holding a meeting with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Mr Rabbani emphasised that concerns expressed by the provinces in this regard would be addressed through mutual consultation.

He said that between 15 and 20 federal ministries would be transferred to the provinces in the light of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution.

He termed the 18th Amendment a constitutional revolution and said that delegating more powers to the provinces was akin to strengthening the federation.

He acknowledged that there were some problems with regard to the financial impact of devolution on the provinces, but hoped that they would be resolved in a meeting with administrative secretaries of the four provinces.

He said that the Sindh chief minister had conveyed his concerns about determination of expenses after the current year.

He hoped that the prime minister would an interest to resolve the issue.
Source: Dawn
Date:2/15/2011