Editorial
Among the many challenges confronting Pakistan, none is more delicate and decisive than the question of federalism. The structure of the state, the relationship between the federation and the provinces, and the division of administrative and financial authority form the very backbone of Pakistan’s constitutional system. Any disturbance in this equilibrium risks undermining both governance and national unity. Therefore, every decision concerning the federation, provinces, and their respective bureaucracies must emerge from a broad-based national consensus rather than political expediency.
The 1973 Constitution provides the framework for cooperative federalism, ensuring that the provinces enjoy autonomy while the federation retains coherence. Yet, the erosion of provincial powers through administrative overreach or legislative manipulation continues to strain the federation. The bureaucracy, still rooted in colonial-era structures, often acts as an obstacle to devolution rather than as a facilitator of provincial empowerment. True federalism requires reformed administrative and financial mechanisms that align with the spirit of the Constitution and the 18th Amendment.
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Fiscal federalism remains another contentious arena. The National Finance Commission (NFC) Award was designed to guarantee equitable resource distribution among provinces, yet delays, political bargaining, and institutional mistrust have weakened its purpose. Without financial justice, political federalism cannot thrive. The federation must, therefore, prioritise transparency and interprovincial coordination over centralised control.
Most crucially, no constitutional amendment that affects the federal structure should ever be undertaken without national consensus. Such changes must reflect the collective will of Pakistan’s people, represented through their federating units. Unilateral decisions or backdoor arrangements can only deepen alienation and fuel political discord.
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In essence, Pakistan’s survival as a democratic federation rests upon unity in diversity. Consensus, not confrontation, should guide the evolution of its federal framework. Only by respecting provincial autonomy and strengthening institutional harmony can Pakistan preserve the spirit of its Constitution and ensure a stable, participatory future for its citizens.
