Unfortunately most of our parliamentarians and members of provincial assemblies do not understand the difference between a republic and a democracy. In a republic the overall majority of the whole country must have regard for aspirations for the majority in smaller units of the state. This is absolutely necessary in states where a functioning democracy lacks an informed, educated and proactive citizenry. Where money and nepotism help win elections.
Both India and US give lot of lip service to democracy and human rights but the way these are denied to people of Kashmir and Palestine are black chapters of history.
In case of NWFP province imposition of new name for the province is not acceptable to the majority in Abbotabad and Hazara.Similarly in case of South Punjab if the majority wants a separate province that must be allowed to them. The issue of separation from a province can be settled by referendum in South Punjab and those. Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhaw who are opposed to the new name.
In case of Sindh there are differences simmering over the issue of Local Bodies Government System. People of Karachi and other urban areas want the old system to continue and more powers for policing and taxation as per the modern practices in developed countries. It seems the feudal lords in Sindh Assembly are interested in reimposing the system of colonial style. Punjab Government is also interested in centralizing powers though things in Punjab have gone from’ bad to worst after termination of elected dist irct governments and union council.Their absence was deeply felt in the flood relief operations.
Just as smaller provinces do not want hegemony of Punjab, the people in Hazara etc and in Sindh Urban areas there are apprehensive of feudal style of governance.
Elections of Local Bodies are overdue.Many months have passed and the limit given in the constitution has passed. Flouting the constitution and imposing the brute overall majority over the majority in smaller units of the provinces will cause problems and hurt the spirit of reconciliation and republican form of Government.
- Arif N. Khan
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