Center-Province relations

Center-province relations in Pakistan have been a complex and sensitive issue

throughout the country's history. The relationship between the central
government and the provinces is defined by the Constitution of Pakistan, which
outlines the distribution of powers and responsibilities between the two levels of
government.
In the past, there have been tensions between the central government and the
provinces, particularly over issues related to distribution of resources and
autonomy. One example is the One Unit policy, implemented in the 1950s, which
aimed to reduce the power of the provinces and increase the power of the central
government. This policy was eventually abolished in the 1970s.
Currently, the relationship between the center and the provinces is stable, but
there are still ongoing issues related to resource distribution and autonomy. The
18th Constitutional Amendment passed in 2010, increased the powers of the
provinces and reduced the power of the central government.
To address these issues, there is a need for dialogue and cooperation between the
center and the provinces. The government should work to ensure that resources
are distributed fairly and that the provinces are given the autonomy they need to
effectively govern their regions. Additionally, efforts should be made to address the
underlying issues that lead to tensions between the center and the provinces, such
as poverty, inequality, and lack of development.
Role of Council of Common Interests CCI
The Council of Common Interests (CCI) is a constitutional body in Pakistan that is
responsible for resolving disputes and coordinating policies between the federal
government and the provinces. It is established under Article 153 of the
Constitution of Pakistan.
The CCI is composed of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, who serves as its
chairperson, and the Chief Ministers of all the provinces. The council meets
periodically to discuss and decide on matters of common interest between the
federal government and the provinces, such as distribution of resources, inter-
provincial coordination, and constitutional reforms.
The CCI is responsible for ensuring that the rights and interests of the provinces are
protected, and that the federal government's policies and decisions do not
undermine the autonomy of the provinces. It also helps resolve disputes between
the federal government and the provinces and makes recommendations for
constitutional amendments.
The CCI also has a secretariat, which is responsible for preparing the agenda and
providing necessary information to the council members.
In recent years, the CCI has been criticized for not being effective in addressing the
issues of provinces and center relations, some people argue that it is not
functioning as it should and the issues of provinces are not being addressed
properly which leads to more tension between the center and the provinces.
Role of NEC
The National Economic Council (NEC) is a body in Pakistan that is responsible for
coordinating economic policies and development projects between the federal
government and the provinces. It is established under Article 158 of the
Constitution of Pakistan.
The NEC is composed of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, who serves as its
chairperson, and the Chief Ministers of all the provinces. The council meets
periodically to discuss and decide on matters of economic importance such as the
distribution of resources and revenues, the allocation of development funds, and
the implementation of economic policies.
The NEC is responsible for ensuring that the federal government's economic
policies consider the needs and interests of the provinces and that they have a say
in their formulation. It also plays a role in resolving disputes between the federal
government and the provinces over economic matters.
Also, the NEC has a secretariat responsible for preparing the agenda and providing
necessary information to the council members.
The NEC has been criticized for not being effective in addressing the issues of
provinces and center relations, some people argue that it is not functioning as it
should and the issues of provinces are not being addressed properly which leads to
more tension between the center and the provinces.
Current scenario:
Currently, the center province relations are at their dead low level in Pakistan due
to several reasons.
→ On water distribution between Punjab and Sindh.
→ Distribution of wheat has created rift in all the provinces with Islamabad.
→ Financial resources distribution.
→ On political decisions like dissolution of assemblies.