![playing the new provinces card playing the new provinces card](https://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/226153-RasulBakhshNew-1312725603.jpg)
There are several underlying factors that contribute to demanding new provinces. First among them is the multi-ethnic character of the provinces. Plural ethnic communities within a nation or within a province are not a problem by themselves, provided that access to the politics of power, state-allocated resources for development and opportunities for growth are fair, equitable and available. Ethnic identity and bonding around language and region are natural social instincts. They become politicised and problematic when minority ethnic communities develop a sense of deprivation and a feeling of being left out. It is no longer a theoretical question that disparities and disproportionate allocation of resources within each province has created multiple minority syndromes.
The second reason is that provincial autonomy under the 18th Amendment amounts to one-stop devolution. Given the quantum of new powers and resources that are unheard of and unprecedented in this part of the world, five new centres of power, including Gilgit-Baltistan, have emerged. The provincial and national elites, unfortunately, haven’t understood yet the logic of devolution, which cannot be a one-stop affair; its logic is further devolution of power and resources to the distinctive regions and communities. This could be done through a local government system with a focus on district elected government and district-focused development programmes. In every province, the tendency is centralisation of administrative, financial and political power in the hands of the chief ministers. It is primarily the political imperatives of this over-centralisation that have kept the idea of local government tightly locked in the political expediency box.
Touting special development packages for restive regions with distinctive ethnic characteristics is neither a substitute for genuine power sharing nor it is being done for the first time. Even the sincere feeling that backward regions within provinces must be developed cannot earn enough political credit to justify provincial centralisation. And it is being done very late in the day when feelings of estrangement are already quite high.
Third, it is the logic of representative democracy that may finally place the agenda of more provinces on the platforms of mainstream political parties. It happens when the political parties sense political advantage at the popular level. It has started with Punjab but may not end there, as the same competitive template is likely to be applied to other provinces as well. While supporting the creation of new provinces may strike a chord with some sections of the population, it is going to be a difficult task to actually carve them out. Ultimately, it will require a much larger consensus among the same competing mainstream political parties on how many provinces and on what grounds — ethnic, regional or administrative.
For the moment, it seems the weaker parties in each province are going to play the new province card as they feel it is likely to attract a great deal of voters attention among minority groups. On the whole, it is going to be a high political gamble. One cannot rule out a backlash against this card, as opposition within the majority communities may gravely hurt the electoral prospects of such parties.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 8th, 2011.
COMMENTS (12)
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The failed political leadership of Pakistan is not coming out of gimmicks. Since day one, the inept political leadership of Pakistan in combination with all time disreputable and corrupt bureaucracy has destroyed this beautiful country, which though created by the blessings of Allah but eaten savagely by its fire ants(Clerics) pests (Politicians) and termites (Bureaucracy). On a more serious note, like the “Jaghirs” of the “Jaghirdars” are shrinking after every new generation, the same is being applied for the umpteen number of new Provinces also. The proposed arrangements will have the following effects. 1. The power which had shifted to the provinces will become weak due to insignificant size of the provinces and once again Punjabi and Mohajir Bureaucracy will emerge strongly. This will be the reenactment of one unit of the West Pakistan. 2. The ruling Political families of Pakistan like there “Jaghirs” are now creating provinces for there kith and kin. Hazara Province for Omer Ayub Khan and Methab abassi., D I Khan for Fazal ur Rehman, Lahore for Nawaz Sharif, DG Khan for Khosa, Karachi for Altaf Bhai, Malakand for the new self proclaimed Wali of Swat, Mr Bomb Proof Amir Maqam. Think of a putrid face and you have a province for him. 3. Bureaucracy will be multiplied like cancer and all the funds available will be spent on the perks and privileges of the termites. Umpteen number of Chief secretaries, IGs, and score of secretaries. People of Pakistan should discard the new provinces and work hard to stabilize what is available. A strong Local Government system is the answer to the ills and not strengthening bureaucracy.
@Mazen:
My comment was a constructive one... NOT a one of double standards... I support the creation of new states in India and the ultimate delegation of powers to the local governments...
Your comment about Naxalites as the "biggest ever separatist movement" shows that your GK is sub-standard. It is NO doubt the most serious movement in India. But, it is not a separatist movement, dear...
@Nrao:
For your information, I come from that part of India...
The fact that some individuals cannot even take a constructive suggestion from an Indian and have to resort to back lashing is deeply troubling...
Is it wrong of me to see this partitioning of Punjab as a political step to break the stronghold of one party in the region, and divide the region in to parts which politically favor another? I am not naive enough yet to suggest that this is the only reason the move is being considered, but could it stand as one of the possible reasons?
Also, do we REALLY need an entirely new provincial government, with all the burgeoning expenses? The red tape corruption and bureaucratic expenditures are hardly mythical - is it something this economy can withstand and absorb?
For how long our people will be fooled with the same fake and evil designs of our political elite. Same old strategy to gain political mileage is chalked out. Given the worst economic situation of our county surrounded by huge number of problems yet our people will vote and elect them. Well I don't think so. This will not be the case. I think media has created enough awareness that at least those who live in urban areas do understand such political games and they know how to deal with them. I remember former president and his right wing used to claim and exaggerate a lot. But what turned out in elections was quite opposite to their surprise.
Wake up call those are trying with national interests and national security.It is not only their interest it is interests of the entire nation of Pakistan.Politicians and rulers must stop their dirty game in the name of people's welfare and interests. They should amend the constitutional and grant provincial rights to South and North Punjab,Baluchistan should ask for the same privilege. Why should DI KHAN remain deprive,give them provincial rights.
Yes, very true.It would be a graver backlash if the present promise makers will not their promises.It is unfortunate in Pakistan,before elections "weak" political parties begin to play with people's sentiments and betray with them once they fulfill their ill intentions. Media can play very important role in critical time and should expose the politicians design. If they are sincere ( indeed they are not),then the government should divide Punjab before the general elections. 2: Rural Sindh and Baluchistan's division will also be helpful in making Pakistan prosperous and progressive. More Polarization in Pakistan will break the backbone of corrupt politicians. So far, not only the central government also at provincial level, policy makers have been acting aristocrats ,they always impose unilateral decisions through bureaucracy.Particular political group have been misusing powers and common people remained their target. Aforementioned debate will be fruitful if the constitutional rights are respected, rule of law is exercised.
@An Indian: You should be more focused on Telangana.Telanhanis are also human being.How the Indian Governments have been dealing with them,you know better.FATA's people are all human being and they are happy and content with their existence environment.Look at some Indian states where people are living like animals and the most favorable state (India) has failed to treat them like human beings.Manipur, an human violation is being made by the central government.Why India is so hypocritical and dealing with Manipur's people with different sticks.?
The heading should have been "Playing GHQ game" bye the writer. The question is simple. Are people of Sariki Area happy while ruled by the distant Lahore Takhat? If they are happy then fine and there is no reason to play any card. However, if the people are not happy and want their own provincial rule then it is not a card it is their basic right. It is simple and not a rocket science. Bahawalpur was an independent state and they have a right to manage their own affairs. We shamelessly do not stop talking about the right of Kashmiri but we call it playing cards when it comes to our own states and their rights!
Crimes in FATA, looks like rubbish in the sense that in India naxalite movement is the biggest ever separatist movement in India. Would u like to carve a new province? And stop brutal and cruel acts against them.
I don’t see any harm in devolution or dividing Punjab in two or three provinces. Nothing hurts more than the “feeling of deprivation” but Pakistani administration has never tried to understand or even feel the pulse of the people. India has done it and done it several times. The only exception is Andhra Pradesh. Remember Punjab use to be up to Delhi at one time. It is Haryana and Punjab now. Same for Himachal Pradesh. Having said this if the purpose is to get high offices, i.e., Governor/CM or provincial cabinets that need to be taken care. Pakistan spends too much on overly bureaucratized system.
While devolution of power all the way to the grassroots level is an essential for good governance, Pakistan should be careful in carving out new provinces in haste. If this matter is not handled in a responsible manner the perpetrators of this move may, wittingly or unwittingly, be setting the stage for the Bantustanisation of the country. God forbid if this were to happen the consequences of battles between the religious sects as well as the various ethnic groups will wreak havoc on an already troubled region.
If the political class of Pakistan is serious on Administrative reforms: the first think to do would be to remove the inhuman, barbaric, Frontier Crimes Regulations in FATA and make it into a full pledged province.
Do they have the courage to do it???