The political system of Pakistan is a complex structure shaped by its diverse history, multi-ethnic makeup, and numerous socio-political challenges. At the core of this system lies a federal parliamentary democracy, which, despite its flaws, remains the most appropriate framework for the country. The 1973 Constitution serves as the legal backbone, ensuring the division of power between the federal and provincial governments. The political system relies on a delicate balance between various branches of government, a characteristic necessary for managing the competing interests of Pakistan's people. This editorial argues that, given the country’s challenges, a federal parliamentary democracy offers the most effective means of ensuring political stability in Pakistan.
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Pakistan's political system, as defined in the 1973 Constitution, is a combination of federalism and parliamentary democracy. The system allocates power across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, ensuring a structure of checks and balances that is supposed to limit the accumulation of excessive power by any one branch. The 1971 separation of East Pakistan into Bangladesh is a clear example of the risks associated with ignoring provincial autonomy and representation. This instability is, in part, a result of Pakistan’s ethnic diversity, which has often manifested in demands for greater provincial autonomy.
The executive branch of Pakistan’s government is led by the president, a largely ceremonial figure, while the real executive power lies with the prime minister. The prime minister is elected by the National Assembly, which is the lower house of Pakistan’s bicameral legislature. The Senate ensures provincial representation, which is vital in maintaining inter-provincial equity within national decision-making. The system of proportional representation ensures that ethnic and religious minorities have a voice in the legislative process, although their influence is often unequal.
The judiciary in Pakistan is an independent branch of government, with the Supreme Court acting as the highest court. The judiciary’s role is crucial in maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that the government remains within the bounds of the Constitution. Cases like the disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 2017 highlight the judiciary's power in checking executive authority. The four high courts in the provinces play a similar role in interpreting the Constitution and ensuring that laws adhere to principles of justice.
Despite the constitutional framework designed to maintain checks and balances, Pakistan’s political system has faced significant challenges in ensuring political stability. Instability in the country is often tied to demands for provincial autonomy, ethnic representation, and equitable resource distribution. The long-standing perception of Punjab’s dominance has led to resentment among Baloch, Sindhi, and Pashtun communities. These grievances have fueled calls for greater autonomy and resource allocation among marginalized provinces.
In response to these demands, Pakistan has adopted a federal parliamentary system that is designed to balance the needs of its provinces while maintaining control at the center. The federal nature of Pakistan’s government ensures that each province has a certain degree of self-rule, with its own legislature and executive. Article 142 of the Constitution delineates the powers of provincial governments, ensuring they can legislate on important local issues. This structure helps balance the provinces' demands for political power with the need for a unified government at the national level.
However, one must ask whether this form of government truly offers the political stability Pakistan needs. The answer lies in the distinct characteristics of the federal parliamentary system. Firstly, it addresses the fundamental issue of representation in a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual society. The 7th National Finance Commission (NFC) Award of 2010 increased provincial shares from 47.5% to 56%, boosting provincial autonomy. This development fostered a sense of inclusivity and fairness, particularly in provinces like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh.
Moreover, the federal parliamentary system stabilizes politics by ensuring shared governance, a key feature in a country as politically fragmented as Pakistan. Shared governance, in which multiple political parties collaborate in a coalition, prevents any one party or ethnic group from monopolizing power. The 2008 coalition government between PPP, PML-N, MQM, and ANP showcased the ability of political rivals to govern together for the national interest. This reduces political polarization and encourages cooperation between different forces.
Furthermore, a federal parliamentary democracy in Pakistan offers the flexibility needed to respond to the diverse needs of the population. Power is decentralized in a parliamentary system, enabling provincial governments to take greater responsibility for local matters. In 2010, the 18th Constitutional Amendment devolved key ministries like education and health to provinces. This decentralization allows for more responsive governance that can address specific regional needs and developmental goals.
The unequal development and political marginalization of provinces, particularly in the western and southern regions, have been major drivers of instability in Pakistan. By empowering provincial governments to manage their own affairs, the federal parliamentary system provides a potential solution to these issues. Balochistan's increased budget share post-18th Amendment enabled the province to expand development projects in education and infrastructure. The system promotes a sense of political inclusion, which is vital for fostering national unity.
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Additionally, the federal parliamentary system prevents the concentration of power in the hands of a single ethnic group, a crucial consideration in a diverse country like Pakistan. Without a system of checks and balances, political power could easily be monopolized by one ethnic group or region, exacerbating divisions and fueling tensions. Ethnic tensions in Sindh and Balochistan have been partly mitigated by mechanisms like the Council of Common Interests (CCI), which ensures fair distribution of resources. The parliamentary system fosters cooperation and dialogue between the center and provinces, helping to mitigate ethnic rivalries.
In conclusion, while Pakistan’s political system is far from perfect, the federal parliamentary structure remains the best option for ensuring political stability. The system’s ability to balance the demands of a multi-ethnic society, promote political inclusivity, and provide flexibility for regional governance makes it the most appropriate framework for the country. Despite persistent political challenges, this model offers the most sustainable path toward unity and progress. In a country where political instability has long been the norm, Pakistan must commit to this form of government, as it holds the promise of a more unified and prosperous future for its people.
