The Paradox of Centralized Federalism of Pakistan: Problem and Prospectus

Abstract

Federalism is a system of government in which competency and power of governance belong to center and provinces. Federalism considered being appropriate to a cohesive political society in order to create mutual co-operation and harmony in the administrative, political, and socio economic spheres. However, federalism endows with a fragile balance between the squabbles demands between the center and provinces. This article begins with an analysis of centralized federalism historically and goes on to examine the conceptual paradigms of federalism in Pakistan. This article discusses the different patterns of Pakistani federal reactions formed over time in the form of various political factors. The article highlights the reasons for the failure to develop an organic federal covenant in Pakistan as well as highlights how the federal form of government has worked in the context of the constitution of 1973. The article concluded by presenting the way forward for federalism and offers some key suggestions and recommendations for strengthening federalism in Pakistan. .