Centre-Province Relations in Pakistan, Balochistan Perspective: Pre 18th Amendment Analysis

Author(s) : Syed Faisal Iqbal, Bashir Hussain Shah, Dr. Ghulam Mustafa

Abstract:

Federalism in Pakistan did not meet the expectations due to the differences between theory and practice. The expectation was not flight of fancy as federalism provided solid foundations to mitigate ethnic differences. But the expectations did not materialise as initial hardships diverted all attentions of the nascent state. The constitution of 1973 was federal in nature yet it also did not meet the expectation in term of provincial autonomy. During latest transition to democracy in 2008; wave of terrorism, power shortage, economic crisis and conflict in Balochistan made the situation so miserable that even existence of federation was at stake. The 7th NFC award although favoured Balochistan yet it was hard to materialise impact of the increased share due to serious concerns of people of Balochistan. Historical facts and ground realities were directing towards right constitutional development so the 18th amendment in constitution of Pakistan was indispensable.