18th Amendment

Politics is funny business, a kind of a black comedy sometimes. Smack in the heart of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, the PTI has begun toying with the idea to review the 18^th Constitutional Amendment yet again. Whether it is smokescreen or posturing for some other political gains, the message is not well received by the opposition. But the opposition’s reactionary response and that of civil society critics is equally funny.

There are some who hold ‘over my dead body’ sentiments over the review of 18^th Amendment. And there are those who say it will endanger the future survival of the federation. A famous critic also tweeted that “any review of 18th amendment is totally criminal”. Criminal! Really? Relax folks! At this point, the PTI has only suggested to review the 18^th Amendment, which has many other facets other than provincial autonomy. Besides, the 18^th Amendment is not a holy scripture.

A constitution represents the will of the people, and if the will of the people has changed 10 years since that amendment, then so be it. If, and only if, the will of the people, as represented by duly elected representatives, so demands that provincial autonomy be rolled back, then as much absurd a decision that may be, it would still be the will of the people, which a republic deems paramount.

Then again, the PTI shouldn’t act all innocent and cute either. By now it is increasingly becoming clear that non-political quarters have a great say in current administration, and in political affairs. So much so that the view has now gained strength even among some PTI zealots.

Considering that those particularly non-political sections of society (who are believed to be fronting as PTI) want to roll back the 18^th Amendment, especially its provincial autonomy aspect, the reaction from opposition parties and civil society representatives is expected to be emotional, given Pakistan’s chequered political history. The fact that even the PTI, which presents itself as the messiah party, has not given due respect to the inter-provincial coordination forums or have taken measures to strengthen the federation does not help either.

Reason, however, ought to prevail, not only to reason with the situation but also to address fears. To begin with, the PTI does not have enough numbers to amend the constitution. There is a reason why the whole NFC has been in a deadlock or delay for years now; even the last round in February last year led to nothing. (See BR Research’s ‘NFC negotiations: round one’, Feb 6, 2019)

More importantly, there are certain unfinished agendas in the 18^th Amendment, which are preventing the country from moving forward. This includes but not limited to matters relating to weak interprovincial coordination framework on various socio-economic policy and governance affairs, and local government elections. The issue of NFC deadlock is another example. (Read also ‘Provinces-IMF meet: anything beyond goodwill?’, May 9, 2019)

Surely any improvements in these or other constitutional provisions that were changed in the 18^th Amendment will tantamount to a revision in 18^th Amendment but not necessarily undoing the spirit of 18^th Amendment, which is provincial autonomy. Or is it that clauses changed in 18^th Amendment are perfect, beyond any revision ever?

Between the undoing of provincial autonomy and strengthening and/or smooth coordination of the federation, lies the golden mean. Politicians on both sides of the podium would do well to search for that without rhetoric. The lives and future of 200+ million are at stake.