Editorial
Pakistan’s federal system relies on a delicate equilibrium where the fair distribution of powers between the federation and the provinces ensures state stability. The 1973 Constitution envisioned provincial autonomy as a pillar of federalism, yet for decades, it existed mainly in theory. This changed in 2010 with the passage of the Eighteenth Constitutional Amendment, which marked a turning point in Pakistan’s political history by transforming the country into a truly functional federal state.
This landmark amendment not only devolved legislative and financial powers to the provinces but also empowered the Council of Common Interests (CCI), giving it constitutional authority to regulate consultation between the federation and provinces. Key sectors including health, education, agriculture, culture, and local governance were transferred to the provincial domain, ensuring provinces became active and equal stakeholders in the state system.
However, administrative autonomy remains incomplete. Despite legislative and financial empowerment, provinces are still constrained by federal bureaucracy. The appointment of senior officers, procedural hurdles, and interference by central institutions limit the true spirit of federalism. Without administrative independence, the promise of provincial self-governance is only partially fulfilled.
Alarmingly, certain political and institutional quarters are now considering proposals to weaken or reverse the Eighteenth Amendment. Such actions would not only breach constitutional commitments but also threaten federal harmony. Centralizing powers could erode provincial trust, trigger inter-provincial tensions, and destabilize the democratic order.
In reality, the Eighteenth Amendment is Pakistan’s federal red line. Any rollback would undermine constitutional democracy, provincial autonomy, and the stability of the state. Safeguarding this amendment is essential for national unity, inter-provincial harmony, and the spirit of the 1973 Constitution.
