Quest for Decentralization and Challenges to Federalism in Pakistan: A Case for Creation of New Provinces

Abstract

This paper delves into the challenge to federalism in Pakistan following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, which significantly transferred powers from the centre to the provinces. The amendment strengthened the provinces at the cost of the centre, ending several controversies but creating new challenges for the federation. It highlights how the transfer of more powers and resources to the provinces further empowered already dominant ethnic groups and aggravated the sense of deprivation among smaller ethnic/linguistic groups. The study elucidates the genesis and history of the existing provincial boundaries and the prevalence of ethnic, linguistic and cultural heterogeneity across all four provinces, challenging the myth of only four or five subnational groups in the country. It builds a case for creating at least 14 provinces from the existing four units. The creation of new provinces can be based on different criteria, mainly the needs and aspirations of the local population in different regions. The study concludes that creating new provinces will ensure efficient administration, better governance and bring peace, progress and harmony in the country.