STRENGTHENING DEVOLUTION FOR BALANCED DEVELOPMENT: AN ANALYSIS OF FEDERALISM AND REGIONAL INEQUALITIES IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Provinces in Pakistan exhibit clear disparities in human development, poverty, and service delivery. Human Development Index of Punjab far outstrips that of Baluchistan, while vaccination rate, literacy, and service delivery show similar traits. This work argues that these differences stem more from a strongly centralized system of governance than from terrain and geographic location. Quoting examples from Germany, Switzerland, and Canada, this study examines how giving more provincial autonomy and freedom can improve governance and decrease disparities. It is observed that empowering regional governments with clear constitutional provisions, fiscal transfers, and revenue generation at the grassroots level brings policy innovation, enhances accountability, and is convenient for local needs. An empowered three-tier federal system is required for Pakistan for better human development outcomes and to reduce Center-Province tensions.