Learn From History
Learn From History: Pakistan’s hybrid government wants to change the provincial structure. It also wants to create more administrative units. Supporters say these changes will improve governance. They claim the reforms will solve many problems.
Constitutional Concerns
The media now debates the idea of new provinces. Parliament has not seriously discussed it. This does not surprise many people. The legislature often rushes through constitutional changes. It also does so without proper debate.
Reports suggest that the government may introduce another constitutional amendment. The amendment could support new administrative units. However, Pakistan’s history raises serious concerns about this plan.
Pakistan’s Political Experiments
Pakistan has tried many political systems. It has used parliamentary and presidential systems. It has also tried semi-presidential rule. Military governments have ruled the country for long periods. Pakistan now follows a hybrid system. None of these systems brought lasting political stability.
Parliamentary democracy still has the widest public support. Yet elected governments have never gained full control over the executive. This has weakened democratic institutions.
Provincial Rights Struggle
Provincial rights have also remained a major issue. Pakistan’s four provinces represent different ethnic and regional identities. The country therefore needs strong federalism. All provinces need a fair role in national affairs.
Smaller provinces have often opposed Punjab’s political dominance. They have also demanded more autonomy. Many have complained about unfair resource distribution. Powerful institutions have usually supported greater central control. Military rule made this problem worse.
The One Unit Plan
The One Unit scheme showed the dangers of centralisation. In the 1950s, the government merged West Pakistan’s provinces into one unit. It wanted political parity with East Pakistan.
The government gave several reasons for the move. It claimed the plan would reduce provincial differences. It also promised lower costs and faster development. The policy produced the opposite result.
Federalism and Regional Tensions
One Unit weakened Pakistan’s federal system. It also increased anger in smaller provinces. Regional and nationalist movements became stronger. In East Pakistan, people felt increasingly ignored and discriminated against. These tensions helped lead to the breakup of Pakistan in 1971.
Provincial tensions continued after 1971. The 1973 Constitution tried to balance federal and provincial powers. It also promised greater provincial autonomy. However, governments often ignored these principles.
Regional Tensions Grow
Central governments removed provincial governments for political reasons. This damaged trust between the centre and the provinces. It also weakened national unity.
These policies increased regional tensions. They contributed to unrest in Balochistan during the 1970s. The conflict became worse in the 2000s. It continues today. Poor governance and failed policies have kept the problem alive.
Centralisation Creates Tensions
Centralised policies also strengthened Pakhtun nationalism. Its influence later declined as KP gained more representation in government and the bureaucracy.
Pakistan’s history offers a clear warning. Changing the existing provinces can create new problems. Past attempts did not improve governance. Instead, they increased political control and regional tensions.
New Provinces and Devolution
The same concern applies to current plans for new provinces. Supporters call them administrative reforms. But the government has not clearly explained the need for them. This creates doubts about their real purpose.
Some groups have genuine demands for new provinces. Many Seraiki speakers in southern Punjab support a separate province. Several political parties also support this demand. But creating one new province could encourage similar demands elsewhere.
The 18th Constitutional Amendment changed the balance of power in 2010. It transferred many ministries to the provinces. It also gave provinces more authority and resources.
Fiscal Challenges and Reform
The provinces then faced new challenges. Some struggled to manage their new responsibilities. The transfer of funds also created tensions with the federal government. The government needs to resolve these financial issues.
Provinces should also improve their own revenue collection. But creating smaller provinces will not solve these problems. Reversing the 18th Amendment will not solve them either.
Real Reform Through Local Government
The government has not clearly explained why it wants to redraw provincial boundaries. This lack of clarity creates more doubts. The real goal should be better governance, not greater political control.
Pakistan needs stronger local governments. It should give more power to local communities. Real reform should improve governance at the grassroots level. Creating more provinces alone will not fix Pakistan’s problems.
Published in Dawn, 24th August 2026
