Federalism in Pakistan: Analyzing Sixty-Seven Years of Democratic Efforts

Abstract

This study seeks to investigate “Federalism” and its historical perspective
in Pakistan. Federalism refers “to a form of government where power is
distributed between the center and provinces federating units”. The paper
further traces the trajectory of three constitutions of Pakistan, 1956, 1962
and 1973 to explore federalism and changes in its structure in each
constitution. Besides, this study highlights two modes of federalism which
are dual federalism and cooperative federalism which has put the basis of
this government into practice. The findings of the study indicate that The
Government Act 1935 provided enormous powers to Governor-General,
1956 constitution provided powers to president like imposing emergency in
country and dissolution of assemblies which challenged the spirit of
federation in the country. The 1962 constitution changed the very nature of
the federal structure. The suspension of Constitution in 1977 & 1999
brought the military domination and shifting of powers to Centre which
again violated the spirit of federalism and provincial autonomy. In post
18th amendment, the Centre still violates the federal structure and ignores
the spirit of federalism in the country. The non-implementation of Article 158 and 161 (2) are the vivid example of Centre dominating and violating
the spirit of federation and constitution.