Any attempt to reverse any provision of the 18th Amendment would be resisted by all political parties representing the interests of smaller provinces, minorities and marginalised communities. A parliamentary committee or commission with representation from all political parties should be set up preferably under the chairmanship of Raza Rabbani to oversee and act as a watchdog for the compliance of the 18th Amendment in its true letter and spirit.
This was the crux of the ideas shared by various speakers at the dialogue with political parties on the ‘Future of Federalism and Democratic Devolution in Pakistan’ by the Centre for Civic Education Pakistan (CCEP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The dialogue was held in order to understand the standpoints of political parties at the driving seat and to explore the areas of policy convergence on federalism and devolved governance.
During the proceeding, the federal government was criticised for showing centralising tendencies by establishing new ministries on subjects devolved already to the provinces. Health, education, national heritage as well as climate change were some of the ministries created in violation of the 18th Amendment. The speakers were of the view that a centralist mindset prevalent in politics, civil society, media and donors was the biggest threat to the federalism, provincial autonomy and devolution in the country.
The speakers also highlighted that the mechanism to implement Article 172 related to the joint ownership on natural resources was missing which disabled provinces to make use of the rights given to them through the 18th Amendment.
Senator Raza Rabbani, leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) said Pakistan was a multi-cultural society and the 18th Amendment had acknowledged its rich diversity besides ensuring the much-needed provincial autonomy and a strong federation based on strong federating units.
He said “the amendment has reclaimed the real Pakistan and has given a clear expression that Pakistan is not a garrison or security state”.
Rabbani said efforts were being made to undo the 18th Amendment at various levels, and “we need to come forward to make this historic process irreversible”.
Senator Haji Adeel of the Awami National Party (ANP) and member of the former 18th amendment committee said through this landmark amendment, the 1937 constitution had been revived as original besides giving the federating units provincial autonomy. He said still a lot had to be done to make Pakistan a true participatory federation and an inclusive democracy but the 18th Amendment had paved the way to move forward.
Adeel said there were various lacunas that still needed to be addressed including the rights of minorities of Pakistan, adding that the control on natural resources, as promised in the various constitutional provisions, must be ensured.
Bushra Gohar of the ANP said efforts to reverse the 18th Amendment must be resisted by the collective efforts of all political parties.
Senator Taj Haider of the PPP said though the 18th Amendment had not achieved 100 percent of what was intended through it but it still remained a significant milestone in the political history of Pakistan.
“We are still lacking the mechanism that may enable provinces to exert control on their natural resources as prescribed by the constitution.” He added that the Sindh government was working on the new draft of Local Bodies Act to hold local bodies’ election as soon as possible.
Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was a prime victim of terrorism and the fallout of situation in neighbouring country Afghanistan, adding that it was promised a special one percent incentive from the federal divisible pool but this promised had not been fulfilled.
Dr Farooq Sattar, leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), said the passage of the 18th Amendment was a good development but the last five years had been wasted by not implementing it in its true sense.
He said nothing had been done regarding vital issues of federation including devolution of political power, decentralisation and to bring changes in existing civil military relations. Besides, he said, the fundamental right of the people had been denied by not giving them local body governments.
Representing the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, Jan Achakzai said the distribution of natural resources was still a bone of contention between the provinces and the federation. “The process of devolution must be enhanced to the grassroots level,” he said.