Mr. Syed Quamrul Ahsan: Mr. Speaker, Sir, I must make it clear at the very outset that I am not opposed to regional autonomy as such by my approach to the problem is fundamentally different from that of the sponsors of the resolution on regional autonomy. To me it appears that the real trouble lies in our failure to implement the provisions of the Constitution. ... To begin with Article 118. It relates to the establishment of a National Finance Commission. Article 199 provides for a National Economic Council. Between these two articles I maintain with the fullest sense of responsibility we have fiscal autonomy of the right type. What do these two articles profess to give us? The representatives of the Provincial and the Federal Governments are to meet, to put their heads together, to chalk out plans relating to the distribution between the Federation and the Provinces of the net proceeds of the taxes, the making of grants-in-aid by the Federal Government of the Governments of the Provinces, the exercise by the Federal Government and Provincial Governments of the borrowing powers conferred by the Constitution and the review of the overall economic position of the country formulating schemes aiming at the attainment of uniform standards in the economic development of all parts of the Country. That is not all. In the implementation of aforesaid plans, Article 199 enjoins the President to take suitable steps to decentralize the administration by setting up in each Province Necessary administrative machinery to provide the maximum convenience to the people and expeditious disposal of Government business and public requirements. I would ask, Sir, cannot we then ensure legitimate economic demand of East Pakistan by implementing Articles 118 and 199?
Article 132 provides for the transfer of railways to the Governments to the Provinces or to the authority constituted in the Province for that purpose.
Then I come to the question of control of All Pakistan Service. Article 183(5) lays down that while a member of All Pakistan Service is serving in connection with the affairs of a Province, his promotion and transfer within that Province, and the initiation of any disciplinary proceedings against him in relation to his conduct in that Province. shall take place by order of the Governor of that Province.
Then Article 200. It relates to the appointment of Advisory Bards for Posts and Telegraphs Department. It is laid down that recruitment to Posts and Services other than class I, in the posts and Telegraphs Department in a Province shall be made from amongst persons domiciled in that Province.
These are salutary provisions deserving commendation.
Sir, industries, shipping and navigation on tidal waters, coastal shipping confined to ports within one Province these and many other items, all told 94 in number figure in the Provincial list where as the Federal and the concurrent lists contain 30 and 19 items respectively. I believe that the Constitution offers the possible opportunity of working out our own destiny keeping in fact at the same time the integrity and unity of Pakistan. We cannot conceive anything better under Federal system of Government. To take regional autonomy in the sense, that Bhashani Saheb does, will be putting a premium on disintegration and chaos...
