Effects of 18th Amendment On the Relationship Between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa And Federal Government

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the conflicts and tensions that exist between the federal administration and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. Since inception, Pakistan is a federal polity but unfortunately with the adoption of a centralized Federal system, political elites, civil and military bureaucracy have failed to provide a satisfactory institutional arrangement, which has brought dissatisfaction and unrest to the ethnic groups.The objectives of the study were: How has 18^th amendment changed the checkered relationship between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal government? How can federal democracy be ensured in Pakistan in the wake of post-FATA merger in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa? The imbalanced power structure between the center and provinces and the unjust distribution of economic resources widened the trust deficit and increased inequalities, which resulted in a sense of alienation and deprivation. This sense of alienation and deprivation generated grievances in smaller provinces. The denial of provincial autonomy and lack of fiscal decentralization resulted into the separation of East Wing of Pakistan. Likewise, the remaining part is still vulnerable to the ethnic unrest due to the political and economic exploitation. The 18^th constitutional amendment was a step in the right direction which redefines the center and provincial political-economic relations but needs to be implemented in later and spirit. A successful federal and democratic democracy with a plural society will inevitably require an organic constitution. Similarly, democracy is the name of an ongoing process of development; in a democratic system, nothing can be accomplished quickly. In summary, this study examined the impact of the post-18th constitutional amendment on the political and economic ties between the center and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Ultimately, this study yields important conclusions about the problem.