<\/p>\n
AFTER the Feb 8 elections and the events preceding it left Pakistan badly divided, unwelcome developments are taking place which could severely strain the federation\u2019s unity. It is incumbent on the forces driving this agenda to step back and rethink their priorities.<\/p>\n
The question of whether or not the National Fin\u00adance Commission awarded \u2018way too much\u2019 to the provinces is being debated<\/a> these days. A hea\u00adlthy debate can ensue with writers and thinkers on the economy weighing in on maintaining or curtailing the provinces\u2019 share of national resources.<\/p>\n While such a debate is welcome, any move to bulldoze a unilateral decision that lacks the full backing of the federating units will exacerbate divisions and the sense of alienation that sizeable chunks of the population are experiencing after a disputed election.<\/p>\n A vibrant federation that guarantees the rights of all federating units is a prerequisite for national unity. Where there are widespread complaints and allegations of many people feeling disenfranchised, an arbitrary attempt to enforce a pro-centre financial solution will not help.<\/p>\n