FEDERALISM IN PAKISTAN: CHALLENGES, REFORMS, AND THE QUEST FOR POLITICAL STABILITY

Authors

  • Shaikh Asif Iqbal, Associate Professor, Government Degree College and PG Centre Latifabad No 11 Hyderabad Sindh Pakistan
  • Muhammad Ali Raza, PhD Scholar, Department of History , Government College University Faisalabad.
  • Faisal Ahmad, Ph.D. Scholar, Department of History Karabuk University Turkiye.
  • Rehan Hussain Department of Politics and International Studies, Karakorum international University Gilgit, Pakistan.

Abstract

Federalism in Pakistan has been a complex and evolving feature of its political system, shaped by historical legacies, ethno-linguistic diversity, and institutional imbalances. Despite constitutional frameworks like the 1973 Constitution and the landmark 18th Amendment aimed at devolving power, the implementation of federal principles remains uneven. This paper critically examines the structural challenges undermining effective federalism in Pakistan, including center-province tensions, fiscal disparities, political centralization, and civil-military dynamics. It further evaluates reform efforts and explores the prospects for achieving political stability through genuine federal practices. The revision argues that sustainable federalism, grounded in equitable resource distribution and provincial autonomy, is essential for strengthening national integration and democratic governance in Pakistan.

Keywords: Federalism, Pakistan, Political Stability, 18th Amendment, Provincial Autonomy, Democratic Governance

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Published

2025-05-16

How to Cite

Shaikh Asif Iqbal, Muhammad Ali Raza, Faisal Ahmad, & Rehan Hussain. (2025). FEDERALISM IN PAKISTAN: CHALLENGES, REFORMS, AND THE QUEST FOR POLITICAL STABILITY . Policy Journal of Social Science Review, 3(5), 136–152. Retrieved from https://policyjssr.com/index.php/PJSSR/article/view/279

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 5 (2025): Policy Journal of Social Science Review

Section

Articles