In Pakistan, it has led to a tug of war between the centre and the provinces,
LAHORE: The debate over the controversial 18th Amendment that aims at provincial autonomy has picked up pace once again, as the political forces from the ruling group attempt to restore the lost yet unjustified power of the centre back in its hands. However, both the federal and provincial governments have taken undue advantage of the Amendment.
The 18th Amendment devolves powers to provinces that are assumed to have a better understanding and by extension of it a more practical approach in dealing with their own issues. However, in Pakistan, it has led to a tug of war between the centre and the provinces, who then vie to have more of discretion with them.
Although opposition parties might oppose the rollback of the Amendment, unfortunately the move is less likely to be targeted at protecting the rights of the provinces. The 18th Amendment should not be rollbacked to ensure that the provinces are not deprived of their due rights and share of economic resources.
Maheen Sheikh
Published in The Express Tribune, March 31st, 2018.
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