A Comparative Study of Federalism in Pakistan after 18th

Federalism approaches a significant transformation in Pakistan in the repercussion of 18th amendment. The amendment produces a facet of loose federalism which is relevant with United States of America (USA) federal model. The paper examines the features of federalism in Pakistan and USA in comparative perspectives in post 18th amendment paradigm and find out its various features. The research concludes that, to accelerate a balanced federalism which is a feature of USA, constitutional transition and democracy will play a vital role in Pakistan.

Federalism approaches a significant transformation in Pakistan in the repercussion of 18th amendment. The amendment produces a facet of loose federalism which is relevant with United States of America (USA) federal model. The paper examines the features of federalism in Pakistan and USA in comparative perspectives in post 18th amendment paradigm and find out its various features. The research concludes that, to accelerate a balanced federalism which is a feature of USA, constitutional transition and democracy will play a vital role in Pakistan.

Loose federalism contributes to vitality of uniformity to the governance in a state. This arrangement enhances the autonomy and self ruling for the federating units to oblige the systemic local self government structure. In case of Pakistan, the system of third tier government either was held suspended under civil political regimes or arranged under the direct subordination to the federal government during military interlude. Since the adaptation of consensual 18 th amendment, concurrent list has been abolished. Politically it is a skillful move of establishing decentralized federalism. This article finds the institutional arrangement to establish the new phase of federalism in Pakistan.

Research Paper, 2022

The primary goal of this study is to critically evaluate the origin and growth of federalism in Pakistan since its inception in 1947. This historical analysis scrutinizes constitutional development in relation to the federal provisions of various constitutional proposals and amendments adopted by the Pakistani parliament. Historically, the federation has been centralist in its approach. Unlike its counterparts, it established a unicameral legislature under its constitutions of 1956 and 1962. However, Pakistan's 1973 constitution not only granted provinces considerable provincial autonomy but also established a bicameral legislature and granted parity representation to units in the federal chamber. This paper claims that the federation underwent a major transition in 2010 when the parliament passed the 18th constitutional amendment that reformed the federal structure substantially. It is argued that since the enactment of this amendment, self-rule and shared rule, which is the essence of federalism, is strengthened in Pakistan. In this context, this study examines how this amendment has led to legislative, administrative, and fiscal decentralization and enhanced the role of the Senate and Council of Common Interests in Pakistan.

The 18 th Constitutional Amendment brought about 36 percent changes in the original constitution of 1973 and total 102 Articles of the constitution were inserted, amended and substituted out of the 280. So the structural contours have been redefined from the heavily centralized to the Federation of the decentralized. This paper analyzes the 18 th Amendment Act to the constitution of 1973 of Pakistan. It also discusses the basic structure and federalism in Pakistan and the effects of 18 th Amendment on the federation of Pakistan. The Paper also analyzes the concerns and perspectives of the provinces of Pakistan.

A comprehensive design of federalism has never been developed in Pakistan though the country has a long history of transitional governance. Since independence the federal system of Pakistan remained highly centralized which created a number of problems including sense of deprivation, inequality and injustice among the units, which triggered the regionalist inclination. However, the federation of Pakistan is gradually moving towards maturity but it will take long time to match the US federation. Pakistan needs a genuine federal system like USA in order to redress the grievances of the component units, ensure political stability, gain economic strength and achieve the goals of development and prosperity. This paper aims at analyzing the characteristic of federalism in Pakistan and USA in comparative manner and intends to identify the similarities and differences between US and Pakistan's federal systems. It concludes that despite of key similarities, the major difference between the two systems is the maturity level and the political culture persistent in the two states. US' political culture is more mature than Pakistan and has a history of more than 200 years while Pakistan is passing through transition and infancy stage.

Pakistan’s federal structures have been the subject of controversy since independence. Longstanding demands for change have been made, particularly changes to the vertical and horizontal division of resources and demands for a reorganization of provinces along ethno-linguistic lines. The 18th Constitutional Amendment of 2010 introduced major changes to the federal system, agreed by consensus. But have these changes gone far enough? This article analyses the changes that were made, engaging with debates concerning the wisdom of creating ethnofederal units, dividing core groups, as well as the optimal number of units. It concludes that while major changes have been made, they have not yet gone far enough. The diversity of Pakistan should be seen as a source of federal strength rather than as a weakness.

The Federalism in Pakistan within Constitutional Frameworks, 2023

This article explores the application of federalism in Pakistan, following its development from the initial provisional constitution to the current one. It examines the legislative, executive, and monetary authority bestowed upon the federal and provincial governments of Pakistan under the country's three constitutions. The article concludes that the history of federalism in Pakistan highlights the significance of putting it into practice in accordance with its genuine spirit, embracing an interpretivist paradigm with a qualitative approach.

This paper focuses on the politics of federalism in Pakistan. There are multiple geographic, economic and demographic variations that demanded special apparatus of management. As security, economy and identity were the common goals of all units; federal system was the most suitable answer to these issues and demands in the case of Pakistan. With an analysis of the concept, present research examines the history and constitutional development regarding federalism in Pakistan. Political life is teeming with institutions. Democracy must also flourish within the structures of political parties. If it doesn't, democracy will flounder. Federations may vary at the level of centralization, and in the forms of governance, but political institutions are important. The paper concludes by suggesting some policy measures to improve federalism in Pakistan. Relatively decentralized and inclusive governance is more likely to enable Pakistani federation to accommodate interests, identities and working of institutions.

Journal of International Peace and Security , 2021

After independence in 1947, the newly born state of Pakistan faced challenges of national integration. The political philosophy of federalism paved the way for a solution to this test but has failed to manifest itself ultimately. After the promulgation of 1973 constitution, the demand for the provincial autonomy and abolishment of concurrent list by the smaller provinces remained a bone of contention between the center and provinces. Subsequent military operations and insurgencies in Baluchistan further aggravated the already tense situation. The 18 th Constitutional Amendment with its aims and objectives, strived to strengthen this political philosophy by undoing some effects of the central rule over provinces. This paper tries to examine the functioning of federalism and constitutional history of Pakistan focusing on Baluchistan as an example for the federal-province relationship. This research is qualitative in nature. The 18 th Amendment is discussed thoroughly hence analyzing the extent of the Amendment in strengthening Federalism.