Issues of Federalism in Pakistan: A Case Study of Balochistan

Abstract

Federalism is a union of different entities such as states or provinces in which unity and diversity are maintained. There is a general disposition that all diversities are accommodated through consultations and coordination. The centre and provinces develop compatible structural arrangements to work cooperatively. This research delineates that feeble institutional mechanisms in Pakistan have been obfuscating the smooth functioning of federalism. The province of Balochistan remained an epicenter of political and economic issues with the federation. Lack of provincial autonomy thwarted the peaceful resolution of issues regarding distribution of resources, inter-tribal conflicts and economic development. The study substantiates that why military and civilian governments failed to evolve a democratic institutional foundation for a reasonable solution to these problems? Why Balochistan got apprehensive against federal policies? This study includes qualitative and quantitative methods. It possibly infers that the intuitionalism necessitates resolving political and economic problems in the province.