Abolition of redundant ministries: Saylani welcomes Senate body recommendations

KARACHI: Saylani Welfare International Trust Chairman Maulana Muhammad Bashir Farooqui Qadri has welcomed recommendations of the Senate Functional Committee on Devolution, saying the abolition of redundant federal ministries could save the country approximately Rs4 trillion to Rs5 trillion annually.

In a statement issued on Saturday, he said reducing unnecessary ministries and curbing excessive government expenditure could help Pakistan reduce its debt burden and ease the growing economic pressure on ordinary citizens.

“Pakistan is a debt-ridden country where millions are already struggling with severe inflation. Instead of imposing repeated increases in fuel prices and the cost of essential goods and services, the government must reduce extravagant expenditure,” he said.

Maulana Bashir Farooqui appreciated the committee, chaired by Senator Zameer Hussain, for highlighting important national issues and urged the government to implement its recommendations without delay. He said the federal government should operate within the constitutional limits, while federal ministries and expenditures should be comprehensively reviewed to reduce Pakistan’s dependence on the International Monetary Fund and strengthen fiscal stability.

He also stressed the need for the equitable distribution of national resources among the provinces in accordance with the Constitution. Referring to observations before the Senate committee, he expressed concern over the reported failure to provide oil- and gas-producing provinces their due share and payments, despite the profits earned by companies and corporations.

The Saylani Chairman warned that continued economic hardship could further increase poverty, social unrest and instability. He also expressed concern over the financial pressures facing welfare organizations that provide food, education, healthcare and employment assistance to millions of underprivileged people.

“If welfare organizations become unable to continue serving vulnerable communities because of shrinking resources, it will be a major national tragedy,” he said.

He called upon the federal government to rationalize public expenditure, eliminate redundant ministries and ensure the fair distribution of national resources in accordance with the Constitution.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026