Genesis of Federalism in Pakistan: A Historical Analysis

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.

Federalism in Asia, 2007

Abstract 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.

Relations between the federal-provinces have been a subject of political and constitutional de bate since the establishment of Pakistan in 1947. Pakistan, which is divided into four provinces, has been dominated by Punjab, the largest o f four provinces, by predominant membership in the bu reaucracy and army. The other three units have shown their discontent over the allocation o f powers between the federal government and the provinces and raised their voice for more autonomy and political safeguards. The praetorian character of Pakistan with the army ruling the country for most of the period has added to the problems of federalism.

African Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 2013

This paper made an effort to examine the constitutional fundamentals of federalism in Pakistan. Its focal point is on the major constitutional developments made in Pakistan for the promotion of federalism, by examining the problems faced by federalism. This is because of the fact that the federal form of government is more proper for those societies which are diverse in nature. A greater part of the societies in Pakistan consist of diverse ethnic, cultural and linguistic groups. If the mixture of these groups is not combined by a viable political system, the endurance of the particular society may be at risk.

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 study covers the issues that Pakistan faced and is facing owing to the absence of federalism. This absence is becoming the cause of nonappearance of nationalism among the people of small provinces. The reasons for the obvious segmentation of the society have been explored. People are disintegrated and are indulged in pursing their regional status and goals. Their preference is to be recognized by their region rather by their country. The study has also discovered the major causes of tremulous federalism in Pakistan and how they affected the community as a whole. The role of the regional/local politicians has also been observed throughout the study especially with reference to Balochistan. Some recommendations to bring federalism back in the country have been put forth. The terms 'federal system' and 'federalism' have been used interchangeably.

Pakistan Journal of International Affairs, 2021

Diverse societies have no option except federalism for the integration and harmony of conflicting ideas of ethnic nationalities. A best suited system of state affairs that devolved the powers constitutionally among the constituent unit is called federalism. In 1947 existing provinces formed the federation of Pakistan with the hope that the provinces will be provided maximum autonomy with democratic norms in the country. Unfortunately after the very few years of the forming of a new federation, democratic process was halted and dictatorship was enforced in the state. Army directly or indirectly remained involved in the matters of government and dictatorship regimes introduced authoritative policies. The main focus of every authoritative regime was on the centralization of powers and on making such decisions which were not in the favor of the state. During the eras of Ayub and Yahya khan such policies were adopted that ruined the confidence between East and West Pakistan which resulte...

Developing Country Studies, 2013

The nature of center-province relationship or federalism has been an issue which has persisted ever since the creation of Pakistan and has caused a host of very challenging problems to the state of Pakistan. Some of such issues are language issue, One Unit formation, sacking of different provincial governments at the behest of federal government, military governments' special emphasis to grow democracy at the grass root level etc. The authors argue that the main cause of these problems is that the form of the state structure of Pakistan is federal however the substance is unitary. Constitutionally Pakistan has a federal form, yet the structures of the government, its orientation, and the thinking of the bureaucracies are unitary in nature, which was a colonial heritage. Provinces have demanded autonomy, due share in resources and freedom in decision making, however, centralist bureaucratic state structure trained in colonial traditions have resisted such claims, thus causing above mentioned problems.

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.