Implementation Commission to be created: devolution of powers to provinces begins

The process of devolution of powers to the provinces, as per Eighteenth Amendment Act 2010, commenced with the notification of the Establishment Division to create (IC) to oversee the successful completion of the process by June 30, 2011, Business Recorder has learnt.
The IC shall submit biannual reports to the Parliament on progress of the implementation process, assess financial implications of devolution and provide guidance on the financial mechanism that will make it sustainable. It will also review all laws, rules and regulations being affected as a consequence of this transition of powers to provinces.
In addition, the IC has been assigned the task of reviewing and examining the existing administrative structures at the level of the federal government relating to subjects being devolved as a result of omission of the concurrent legislative list from the Fourth Schedule of the constitution and other related articles/provisions, and suggest a mechanism for a smooth transition to the provinces.
The Commission may co-opt experts, serving or retired members of the Civil Service or any other person for a specified purpose and time on such terms and conditions as the IC may deem fit, with prior approval of the federal government. According to notified terms of reference, the IC shall perform such functions as may be necessary for the implementation of clause 8 of the Article 270 (AA) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and such other steps needed for the implementation of the Eighteenth Amendment.
It will also examine the policy, programmes, capacity-building and other measures required to be taken by the federal government or the provincial governments for the implementation of the devolution process. The Commission has been authorised to make or pass such directions, orders, undertake proceedings or require the making of amendments to regulations, enactments, notifications, rules or orders as may be necessary to further the objectives of clause 8 of Article 270 (AA) of the constitution and in this regard require the attendance of any official of the federal government or provincial governments of the divisions of the attached departments/offices. The execution authority of the Commission shall vest in the Chairman, who shall be the overall in charge and responsible for supervising its business and affairs including implementation of its objectives, policies, decisions and directives either directly or through officers of the federal and provincial governments, the divisions and the attached departments/offices.