RECENTLY, Pakistan has signed a membership agreement with the Forum of Federations, thereby becoming a member-state of the organisation along with other leading federations such as Australia, Brazil, India and Switzerland. It is an international organisation based in Ottawa, Canada. Basically, the Forum and its members form a global network on federalism.

Now that Pakistan has become a member of the Forum of Federations along with other established federations, it is now crystal-clear that the international community is gradually acknowledging Pakistan’s endeavours for a strong federal system in the country.

Furthermore, the membership of the forum is indicative of recognition of Pakistan as an established federation by the international community.

The efforts of the PPP government and of the ministry of inter-provincial coordination under the leadership of Senator Raza Rabbani and Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani are praiseworthy.

Prior to the passage of the Eighteenth Amendment, the political structure of Pakistan was baffling as a consequence of continual military interventions. It was neither a parliamentary form of government [because the existence of the Parliament was at the mercy of the President of the Republic by virtue of 58 2(b)] nor was it even a presidential form of government in the strict sense of the word. But, it is only after the passage of the Eighteenth Amendment that the political system of Pakistan was re-established on true parliamentary norms and in accordance with the principles laid down in the 1973 Constitution.

The president of Pakistan deserves due praise as he showed political maturity and sincerity with his party’s manifesto by delegating his overriding powers to the prime minister, thereby strengthening the parliamentary system in the country.

Now it is not the president who decides the fate of the Parliament; rather it is the prime minister who advises the president to dissolve the National Assembly.

Furthermore, the unanimous NFC Award and increasing provincial autonomy may be counted as the achievements of the PPP-led government.

Nevertheless, the government must be questioned about the unprecedented power shortfalls, unbridled law and order situation, and the lethal hike in fuel prices. But the point is that the achievements of the government should not be overshadowed and that its overall performance must be analyzed fairly.

PIR SULEMAN SHAH RASHDI Islamabad