One solution that has been proposed by policy experts is to devolve jurisdiction over the power sector to the provinces. Oil and natural gas are already provincial subjects. It makes no sense to have one segment of the energy chain subject to the federal government and the other to provincial governments. Once the power companies are entirely Sindh’s responsibility, the federal government would be well within its rights to demand that Sindh fix its billing problem, either by paying its own dues or by making those who owe the bills to pay them. Provincial fiscal autonomy is one of the most important steps taken to strengthen the federation in the last decade. It is incumbent on Islamabad and the provinces to ensure that their petty squabbles do not damage the cause of further devolution of power.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 20th, 2013.
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