Finally! Coming out of the hole

In the right earnest federal government has made its intention known to evolve consensus on bringing changes in the 18th Amendment aimed at completing the process of devolution of powers. Likewise, few provision of National Finance Commission Award shall be revisited keeping in view the capacity issues of provincial governments that they face in the judicious utilisation of financial resources, which are being transferred to the federating units under the 7th NFC Award.

Speaking at current affairs programme of a Private TV Channel, Federal Minister for planning and development Asad Umar argued that some flaws have been noticed in this amendment, while describing it a step in the right direction. The minster did not pinpoint the lacunae in the legislation; however, he did say that the process of devolution of powers is incomplete as provinces did not devolve necessary powers to local government institutions. Planning minister clarified that neither center wants to take back any power from provinces nor does it intend to indulge in a war of powers. But leadership of political parties must sit and discuss issues that pertain to the development of the country and prosperity of its people.

Founder of PPP and first popularly elected Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto used to say that “last word is never said in politics,” But the incumbent leadership of the party has abandoned this cardinal principle of politics.

A section of legal and constitutional experts and political analysts openly express the opinion that 18th Amendment has altered the federal structure of original 1973 constitution. The Parliamentary Committee that held deliberations over the draft of this amendment included two outstanding constitutional experts from PML-Q, Senators S.MZafar and Waseem Sajjad. Senator S.M Zafar wrote a brilliant dissenting note on the final draft of 18th Amendment, arguing that it will weaken the federation and convert Council of Common Interest into a “super cabinet” or “government within a government.” The legal and constitutional expert had cautioned that the amendment has posed a major challenge to national identity as curriculum of education institutions, being an important subject, had been devolved to provinces that lack the capacity. The degeneration in the quality of higher education since 2010 vindicates the stance of S.M Zafar. Although 18th Amendment is a reality and cannot be washed away, yet it should not be treated as divine scripture by resisting changes in it.