The federal government will pay all outstanding dues till June 30 this fiscal year for the ministries devolved to provinces under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, said Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon on Wednesday.
"The devolution of ministries took place to provinces under the 18th Constitutional Amendment in three phases, as the process is completing on June 30 of the current fiscal year," the minister told reporters after Sindh cabinet meeting here at Sindh secretariat.
He said that the chief minister presided over the special meeting to review the situation after the devolution process. He said the devolved ministries and their assets would be transferred to the provinces after June 30. He said that the chief minister briefed the members of provincial cabinet regarding the devolved ministers, adding that there were still some ministries about which the provinces had reservations and they would approach the federal government in this connection.
He said the government had given briefing to all ministers regarding the devolved ministries, saying that the chief minister would finally send recommendation to the Council of Common Interests (CCI) after Sindh chief secretary would submit his report to the concerned ministerial committee on devolution.
Sharjeel said the devolution of some 19 ministries had taken place in three phases, and attributed the success to his party and leadership. He said that with the devolution the dream of provincial autonomy would come true. He said the government would celebrate the provincial autonomy and invite all its coalition partners, which played a significant role in the passing of 18th Constitutional Amendment to attend the ceremony.
Regarding MQM's abrupt exit from the coalition government, the minister said: "No comments", adding that the government did not want to heighten anyone's misunderstanding.
He warned that the PPP government could reply to any party's allegations in the same way but such an action would further worsen the political scene of the country. He said the PPP government believes in the policy of political engagements and its doors were open for all political parties including MQM for talks.
Regarding PML-N's allegations on Kashmir polls rigging, Sharjeel said the N League would gain no benefit from such blames and it should concede political defeat in the election of Pakistan administered valley. He said the Sindh government had completed spadework for the next monsoon rains to cope with any surge in the Indus River water level and possible overspill into the fields and residential areas. He said the government had fortified all embankments of the rivers and canals to stop breach and floods.