Jerusalem, October 2 (Daily Kiran) : Tensions are escalating between the military establishment of Pakistan and the political leadership in Sindh, a situation that could threaten the nation’s unity. Critics accuse the military of attempting to divide provinces under the guise of reorganization, driven by a desire for centralized power. This strategy aims to maintain control over resource-rich regions inhabited by various nationalities and sub-nationalities.
Award-winning journalist and human rights advocate Hasan Mujtaba highlighted these concerns in an article for The Times of Israel. He noted that significant disagreements exist between the military establishment and Sindh’s political leadership, which is led by President Asif Ali Zardari and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). They are at odds over proposed changes to the provincial structure and the potential designation of Karachi as a separate administrative unit. Mujtaba warned that this growing divide could lead to a situation reminiscent of Bangladesh’s formation in 1971.
He expressed that if the military continues to push for the fragmentation of historical provinces into more than a dozen parts, it could result in unprecedented violence and chaos. The military is labeling these fragmented regions as “administrative units,” but Mujtaba argues that they will effectively function as new provinces of a significantly weakened Pakistan, assuming the state can endure such drastic measures.
The 18th constitutional amendment, enacted during Zardari’s previous term, has emerged as a focal point of conflict between Sindh and the military under General Asim Munir. The military is advocating for a 28th constitutional amendment that could largely revoke the financial and administrative autonomy granted to the provinces.
Mujtaba pointed out that the 18th amendment, passed with a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and National Assembly, significantly expanded provincial powers and curtailed central authority. He explained that the military’s frustration primarily stems from the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, which guarantees a substantial portion of federal revenue is directly allocated to the provinces. The military, which already consumes a large share of the national budget for defense, seeks to redirect these NFC funds back to the federal treasury.
He added that the establishment is exerting intense pressure on President Zardari, through political representatives and supportive media figures, to compromise on the 18th amendment and endorse their plans for provincial reorganization. Veteran political analysts warn that yielding to these demands would be akin to signing a death warrant for the PPP’s popularity and voter base in Sindh, which has been the party’s stronghold for nearly two decades.
Mujtaba concluded that by aggressively redrawing Pakistan’s internal boundaries, the military appears to be steering the country toward potential disintegration.
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