Reorganizing Punjab on Administrative Lines: Potentials and Challenges

Abstract

Pakistan is a federal state, but it has not developed the factual strength of federalism as it is observed in the developed federal states. Pakistan is a polarized state its society is divided ethnically-Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi and Pashtuns. All communities have been raising their voices for the distribution of fair resources. Pakistan, as a federal state, has not been able to provide equal economic dividends to its people neither ensured good governance owning to overpopulated provinces that have poor infrastructure and dominated by the feudal mindset. Provincial governments also have been inefficient in curbing the social and economic disparity–South Punjab reflects a picture of bad governance. South Punjab contributes economically, politically and to uplift the whole Pakistan, but the South Punjab remains ignored by the top political and bureaucratic establishment which is increasing the sense of exploitation among the people of Southern Punjab. The new province should be created to provide the administrative balance between the new and old Punjab which is lacking for decades. This administrative balance would [then] change the fate of the neglected region and its people.