Referendum for new provinces

Amidst persisting differences among the political parties over the creation of new provinces, or more administrative units, the idea of holding a referendum seems to be well on track. It is a foregone conclusion that Pakistan is in dire need of the devolution of powers and an organic grassroots structure to address the socio-economic problems of a soaring population. This is a sine qua non not only for ushering in good governance, but also for ensuring that public service delivery is satisfactory and the present disparities in the sharing of resources are done away with.

It is, however, also a reality that all major political forces had, in principle, canvassed for more provinces. At this juncture, yet some beg to differ – either on the modus operandi or to further their self-serving agendas. Thus, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's suggestion of opting for a referendum to elicit public opinion on such a sensitive national issue is a constitutionally viable way out. The million-dollar question is whether the proposed referendum will be transparent and impartial, or whether it will merely add to the sordid episodes of yesteryears when genuine public opinion was thrown to the wind to preserve an entrenched status quo.

Pakistan has a jaundiced history of referendums. Such ballots in the past were solely dictatorial in essence and are widely mocked for lacking credibility. Thus, the proposed referendum on new provinces must be different; it should be an exercise that unites the nation rather than sows seeds of parochialism and dissent. Held under Article 48(6) and Article 48(7), the referendum must transparently pass through the test of popular approval in a joint sitting of Parliament and be executed in all sincerity through a free and fair ballot. Some experts, however, insist that creating a new province still formally requires a constitutional amendment under Article 239. Even so, a credible referendum could generate the overwhelming public mandate needed to compel reluctant lawmakers to pass the requisite legislation

The interior minister, who kicked off the debate by stating that the system has collapsed and a reset is desired, must go the extra mile to take along all political segments to assure them that the referendum will be non-partisan and thoroughly fair. Reconstituting the electoral watchdog is a must to exhibit sincerity of purpose. Let the fragmented national canvas unite on a single consensus of sharing power through devolution, and let the raison d'être be development and empowerment for all.