The new “administrative units” proposal is struggling for justification; is it really the most pressing issue? What is the actual proposal and its intended objectives? Arguably, the more compelling issue is the widening dissonance between constitutional commitments and power politics, and the resultant political and governance crises. There is no doubt that since independence, citizens’ needs and expectations have changed significantly but state machinery, ruling and governance attitudes have all remained much the same; a colonial executive state with a constitutional liberal democracy facade. In view of the changed demographics and related changes, the system of governance has become anachronistic and incapable of meeting the needs and aspirations of a young society of nearly 260 million. This article highlights key issues for redesigning Pakistan’s governance. 

The constitution mandates both decentralisation (art. 37(i)) and local government (art. 32, 140A). The proposed reforms point towards creating smaller and increased number of “provinces” rather than strengthening local government. Although both exercises involve some devolution of power and reducing the state-citizen gap, the two processes are distinguishable. Increasing provinces is (hopefully, a more equitable) re-distribution of national power and authority with possible administrative, economic and efficiency gains. Local government is essentially about further reducing the state-citizen gap, taking service delivery to the doorstep and enhancing efficiencies. The resources follow accordingly.

The background, the grand disingenuity: Despite their claims, in practice, our governments have never been keen on devolving power and operationalising local government meaningfully. Devolution and decentralisation have been conceded only to the extent that the ruling elites could consolidate the political and resource gains rather than prioritising public welfare. Constitutionally, the failure to decentralise (art. 37(i)) and establish effective local government (arts. 32, 140A) is a breach of constitutional duty (art. 5(2)).

The 18th Amendment was a major reconfiguring of the state. It promised significant devolution of power but proved to be a mere power -and........

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