CSS Pakistan Affairs | Role of Federalism in Managing Pakistan’s Ethnic Diversity
The following question of CSS Pakistan Affairs is solved by Dr. Arzoo Fatima under the supervision of Howfiv’s Pakistan Affairs and Current Affairs Coaches. She learnt how to attempt 20 marks question and essay writing from Sir Syed Kazim Ali, Pakistan’s best CSS and PMS English essay and precis teacher with the highest success rate of his students. This solved past paper question is attempted on the pattern taught by Sir to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory and optional subjects for years, and uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Outline
1-Introduction
2- Ethnic diversity in Pakistan, an overview
3-How Federalism Can Manage Ethnic Diversity
- ✓Provincial autonomy allowing ethnic groups to govern local matters, preserving identity and reducing alienation.
- ✓Equal representation in the Senate, ensuring small provinces have a voice in national decision-making.
- ✓Cultural and linguistic preservation enhancing the promotion of more domestic languages and traditions.
- ✓Decentralized service delivery enhancing trust in state institutions through effective local governance.
- ✓Inter-provincial cooperation mechanisms promoting more collaboration among federating units
4- Challenges Hindering Effective Federalism in Pakistan
- ✓Over-Centralization of Authority
- ✓Inequitable Resource Distribution
- ✓Ethnic-Based Politics and Polarization
- ✓Lack of Local Government Empowerment
- ✓Weak Institutional Capacity
- ✓Poor implementation, lack of coordination, bureaucratic hurdles.
5-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Federalism, a political structure, is classified into various forms by the distribution of powers at various levels and in different realms. Pakistan, a multi-ethnic culture, is the embodiment of federalism, promoting national integration, reducing ethnic tensions, and promoting equal political participation. However, in Pakistan, federalism has the capability to manage ethnic diversity even in Pakistan’s political culture, which depends on its implementation and the sincerity of political leadership. This can be managed by the provincial autonomy through the 18th amendment, equal representation, and a decentralised governance system. In addition, with effectiveness challenges have also popped up, leading to ethical marginalisation, resource disparities, and over-centralised practice. Hence, federalism effectively manages ethnic diversity in its political culture.
Ethnic diversity in Pakistan: an overview
Pakistan, a multi-ethnic and multi-dimensional society, encompasses various cultures, languages and diversities that have shaped its national identity. From the rugged and colossal plains of Baluchistan to the immense plains of Punjab, the entire spectrum is rich, vibrant and historically complex. While various diversities possess various cultural wealth, it pose significant challenges in terms of national integration, political representation, and equitable development. It is composed of major groups, such as Punjabis, Pashtuns, Sindhis, Baloch, Muhajirs, and Saraikis, each contributing uniquely to the nation’s socio-cultural landscape. Punjabis, forming the majority, dominate national politics, agriculture, and bureaucracy, while Pashtuns uphold a distinct identity rooted in tribal. Sindhis, enriched by Sufistic traditions and a legacy tied to the Indus Valley Civilisation, preserve a deep-rooted cultural heritage. The Baloch, known for their independent spirit, have consistently voiced concerns over marginalisation and lack of development. Muhajirs, primarily Urdu-speaking migrants from post-Partition India, initially held political prominence but now grapple with alienation and identity politics. Meanwhile, Saraikis, a linguistic group in southern Punjab, seek cultural recognition and administrative autonomy, reflecting broader socio-economic grievances. Hence, these ethnic communities are not only bound by shared religious beliefs but also separated by historical, linguistic, and cultural distinctions.
How Federalism Can Manage Ethnic Diversity
- Provincial Autonomy
Provincial autonomy is a cornerstone of federalism that empowers ethnic groups to govern their local affairs, preserving their distinct identity and reducing political alienation. Following the 18th Constitutional Amendment in Pakistan, provinces were granted control over key sectors like education, health, and culture, which were earlier under the federal domain. This devolution enables provinces like Sindh to promote Sindhi language and culture in educational institutions and media, while Balochistan can focus on its unique development needs. As a result, ethnic communities feel recognized and represented within the broader framework of the state, fostering unity without uniformity.
- Equal Representation in Senate
Equal representation in the Senate is a fundamental mechanism in federalism that protects smaller ethnic groups from being dominated by majority populations. In Pakistan, each province has equal representation in the Senate regardless of population size, ensuring that the voices of smaller provinces like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are heard in national policymaking. This institutional balance mitigates the fear of Punjabi dominance and supports inter-provincial trust, contributing to a more inclusive political environment where ethnic diversity is acknowledged and respected.
- Cultural and Linguistic Preservation
Federalism allows regional governments to preserve and promote their cultural and linguistic heritage, reinforcing ethnic pride and national integration. For example, under the provincial autonomy granted by the 18th Amendment, provinces in Pakistan can now include regional languages in school curricula and promote indigenous arts, festivals, and literature. This cultural empowerment not only strengthens the identity of ethnic groups but also counters feelings of marginalization, promoting harmony in a multi-ethnic society like Pakistan.
- Decentralised Service Delivery
Decentralization of service delivery through federalism enhances public trust and accountability by bringing governance closer to the people. When provinces are responsible for public services such as education, health, and local development, they can tailor these services to the unique needs of their ethnic populations. This responsiveness improves the legitimacy of the state among marginalized groups, strengthens the social contract, and reduces ethnic grievances caused by distant or unresponsive federal authorities.
- Inter-Provincial Cooperation Mechanisms
Federalism provides institutional platforms for inter-provincial cooperation, ensuring equitable decision-making and fostering national cohesion. In Pakistan, the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and National Finance Commission (NFC) are vital bodies where the federal and provincial governments collaborate on shared issues such as resource allocation and energy distribution. By allowing provinces to voice their concerns and negotiate fairly, these mechanisms reduce inter-ethnic tensions, prevent unilateral central policies, and build a cooperative spirit across the federation.
Challenges Hindering Effective Federalism in Pakistan
- Over-Centralization of Authority
Despite being a federal state on paper, Pakistan often operates with centralized tendencies that marginalize provincial autonomy. While the Constitution guarantees provincial rights, decision-making remains concentrated in federal institutions, and key areas such as energy and water are still largely controlled by the center. This de jure federalism vs. de facto centralism undermines the spirit of federalism, fueling resentment among provinces that feel excluded from national governance, particularly Balochistan and Sindh.
- Inequitable Resource Distribution
Unequal distribution of resources remains a core grievance among smaller provinces, hindering the legitimacy of federalism. Provinces like Balochistan, which are rich in natural resources, continue to suffer from underdevelopment, lack of infrastructure, and poor social indicators. This fuels the perception of Punjabi dominance and centralized exploitation, deepening ethnic divisions and weakening the federal compact meant to ensure fair treatment of all federating units.
- Ethnic-Based Politics and Polarization
The politicisation of ethnic identity has become a destabilising force in Pakistan’s federal structure. Political parties and movements, such as MQM in urban Sindh and PTM in KP, often draw support along ethnic lines, leading to identity-based polarization. Instead of using federalism to unify diverse communities, ethnic-based politics deepen mistrust, create sectarian divisions, and undermine the national narrative of unity in diversity.
- Lack of Local Government Empowerment
A major gap in Pakistan’s federal system is the absence of empowered and autonomous local governments. Even after the 18th Amendment, most provinces resist devolving power to the grassroots, fearing loss of political control. This reluctance blocks effective service delivery, limits citizen participation, and reinforces provincial elites’ dominance — defeating the purpose of federalism, which aims to decentralize authority for inclusive governance.
- Weak Institutional Capacity
Pakistan’s federal structure suffers from administrative inefficiencies, poor coordination, and bureaucratic hurdles that delay implementation. Provinces often lack the institutional strength and trained personnel to manage devolved functions effectively, especially in education, health, and planning. Without strong institutions, federalism becomes symbolic rather than functional, leaving ethnic grievances unaddressed and eroding public confidence in the system
Conclusion
Federalism holds immense potential to manage Pakistan’s ethnic diversity by promoting inclusion, decentralization, and cultural recognition. It provides a constitutional framework where multiple identities can coexist under a unified national umbrella. However, the promise of federalism remains unfulfilled due to over-centralization, inequitable resource distribution, politicization of ethnicity, and institutional weaknesses. To transform federalism from theory into effective practice, Pakistan must empower provinces, strengthen intergovernmental mechanisms, and foster a culture of cooperative governance. Only through genuine political will and institutional reform can federalism become a tool of national integration and sustainable peace in a diverse and pluralistic society.
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