{
  "id": 8540486,
  "title": "Provinces ‘misusing’ 18th amendment, claims Qaiser",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/provinces-misusing-18th-amendment-claims-qaiser",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-19T21:22:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40440301/provinces-misusing-18th-amendment-claims-qaiser"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has accused provinces of misusing the 18th Amendment to the constitution, asserting that they have not devolved powers to the grassroots level. At a press conference in Karachi, Sheikh claimed that no government in the country has managed to boost exports, stating that currently, 110 to 120 million people are living below the poverty line. He alleged that chief ministers are abusing the powers granted through the amendment, failing to transfer them to lower levels. Sheikh noted that the situation in both Sindh and Punjab is similar, emphasizing that despite different political parties ruling over the last 27 years, the country has yet to make progress. He also criticized the bureaucratic system, asserting that after political governments assume power, bureaucrats form their own groups, focusing on finding faults in projects rather than facilitating their implementation. During the past year, $2.5 billion in foreign investment has entered Pakistan, with the United States promising further investment. Saudi Arabia is planning to invest in the refinery sector, while China intends to invest in the minerals sector. Addressing the economic situation, Sheikh highlighted the challenges the nation faces, particularly the rising oil prices, and emphasized that while his ministry is working to enhance regulation, much work remains to be done at the economic level. He praised Pakistan's forces for their work and acknowledged that India's defense budget is significantly larger.",
  "summary": "KARACHI: Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has claimed that the provinces are misusing the 18th Amendment and none of them have devolved powers to the grassroots level. Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Saturday, the federal minister said that no government in the country has been able to increase exports. He said that currently 110 to 120…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}