A Senate committee has given the federal government two weeks to develop a mechanism for sharing oil and gas profits with provinces, warning of possible disciplinary action against the Petroleum Division if it fails to comply.

The committee called for the implementation of Article 172(3) of the Constitution, proposing that half of the oil and gas fields be transferred to provinces or that they receive a share of the profits generated from these resources.

It also raised concerns over the implementation of provincial quotas in federal employment and the distribution of benefits from oil and gas resources.

The committee chairperson said the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan made the full implementation of the 18th Amendment necessary.

Establishment Division Secretary Nabeel Awan supported the committee’s position but said there was no quota system for promotions. Committee members disagreed with his stance.