PAKISTAN is passing through a crucial phase. The new administration thrown up by the elections will have to confront a host of issues that are central to the country’s progress. At the apex of these multifarious problems are the Balochistan issue and terrorism.

The Balochistan problem has been a festering wound. The country has gone through phases of executive presidency and military rule, and is currently experiencing the system of parliamentary democracy. None of these experiences have been able to heal this wound.

Balochistan, which occupies a place of strategic importance in the present regional scenario, is suffering from an acute sense of alienation. It continues to be an outsider to the federal power equation. From this situation have emerged young Baloch nationalists who have, by and large, taken over the Baloch following of old tribal leaders.

Under the present system of governance where political representation is determined by headcount, these Baloch nationalists don’t find much hope for themselves as equal partners in the federal power structure. These ‘Young Turks’ hold the key to the future, not only of Balochistan but of the country as a whole.

Despite years of independence, Pakistan has failed to evolve a meaningful Pakistani nationhood, the reason being that we are a nation of diverse languages and cultures, and hence there are distinct nationalities (one can call them sub-nationalities).

In order to coalesce as a nation we need to be governed by a system which allows justice for all. All countries evolve a system of governance which suits their particular make up and needs. The governance systems that we have experimented with have all been borrowed and have apparently failed to address our particular needs as a nation.

Without intending to cast aspersions on the current governance system as enshrined in the Constitution, I feel that the system, being based on headcount, fails to satisfy the aspirations of the people of a province, who are small in numbers but distinct in their language and culture.

They are equal participants in the federal structure, deserving an equal share of federal power. The strategic importance of Balochistan in the geography of Pakistan and the natural wealth of the province, which can bring prosperity, fairly balances its shortage of numbers.

Here is, therefore, a situation peculiar to Pakistan which the current governance system seems to have no provision or answer for. If the current system can find a solution to this it will go a long way in addressing the sense of alienation among the Baloch nationalists and fostering cohesion.

National cohesion is imperative to Pakistan’s peace and progress. It can be developed by introducing a system which delivers justice and equality to all federating units. This can be a system of governance where effective and ultimate federal power is shared collectively and equally at all times by all federating units.

This is possible under a system where we have a presidium comprising four members. Each member would be directly elected by the voters of a federating unit, born and bred in that province.

Each representative of the federating unit so elected to the council may act as the chairman of the council and head of state for a one-year term on rotation in alphabetical order of the province represented. The tenure of the council may be appropriately fixed.

A list of subjects under the purview of the council may be drawn up. It is suggested that the power to make policy decisions with respect to foreign policy, economy, defence and national security may vest with the council.

The powers and appointments which are currently under the purview of the president may also vest in the council. The decisions of the council on matters involving the vital interests of a federating unit may be subject to the approval of a two-thirds majority of the provincial assembly of that federating unit.

The military leadership may assist the council in matters of defence and national security and their reporting line may be to the council. Allowing the status of national language to languages of the federating units will be an additional factor in fostering cohesion.

Needless to say there would be no place for a Senate under such a system and parliament may comprise a unicameral legislature (National Assembly). Elections to the parliament and of the prime minister may continue as at present.

However, the prime minister may be answerable both to parliament and the council. He may be responsible for implementing the decisions of the council in matters within its purview.

Effective and collective sharing of federal powers at all times by all federating units, through their directly elected representatives is likely to go a long way in bringing the young Baloch nationalists into the mainstream and ending the insurgency in the province, by giving them a sense of ownership and belonging.

Any insurgency has its roots in political injustice or a strong perception thereof. Addressing the issues underlying the insurgency politically, rather than by use of force, is the right answer to the problem.

Pakistan has tremendous resources. Besides human resource, Pakistan’s strategic location in the region and its natural resources are a big plus for the country. In order for it to realise its true potential national cohesion is needed, and this will result from a judicious power structure, fostering a spirit of bonhomie among the federating units and various nationalities (or sub-nationalities) forming the federation.

Such an environment will be conducive to defeating any conspiracies against the interests of Pakistan. It goes without saying that any outside manipulations can never succeed without an unstable situation inside the country and internal support.

National cohesion will help foster peace and security so essential to allow us to invest our energies in fighting the scourge of terrorism, tapping our latent resources and bringing the fruits of state endeavour to the doorstep of the common man.

The writer is a former police officer.

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