Shahbaz Sharif and the Politics of Federalism

By Qudrat Ullah
Some days back, Shahbaz Sharif was on an important mission to Quetta and Karachi to make correct the blunders of the past dictator and to give message to the indigent dwellers of less developed parts of federation.

that they are an equal partner in development and Punjab will now make every sacrifice for them so that they could enjoy the fruits of democracy. Actually Shahbaz Sharif is playing dual role by improving Punjab image and strengthening the federation with his munificent steps like aiding the other provinces in their time of need. As he is a man of strong conviction and destiny, who has always made it a point to give priority to public welfare and national interest; whether it be Ziarat earthquake, supplying of 30000/ ton free wheat to Sindh or the copious provision of food, tents, medicines and clothing to IDPs of Malakand and South Waziristan, Shahbaz always take the lead and his passion for the welfare of needy and the weak strata is simply unmatched among the political bourgeoisie.
Possibly for Shahbaz Sharif, the winning of hearts and minds of the people of other provinces is more important than his own political career. Maybe he’s trying to put right the idiocy of the past or he is in a bid to paint a larger than life portrait of Punjab, but one thing is translucent that he appears perfectly loyal and dauntless with his mission of soothing the past pains. Shahbaz Sharif leaves no stone unturned to serve with total commitment and passion. And, his policies are a clear prove to that.
It is often said that Pakistan is a land of changing vistas where the beauty and diversity adds to the mutual understanding. However, it is also a reality that Punjab-the population wise largest federating unit of the country, was often accused of being politically hegemonic and unduly dominating vis-à-vis other federating units; as the federation is quite dissimilarly composed of and the 32 years dictatorship has fueled further misconceptions among the people of smaller provinces while former pied pipers of Punjab did not pay any heed to shed away these misconceptions.
Now, in post-Musharraf scenario, gaining confidence of other provinces is a long row to hoe, as unfortunately, Pervaiz Musharraf and his misleaders not only weakened the federation with their glanderous follies but the cold blooded murder of Nawab Akbar Bugti severed the centripetal forces in Balochistan which is long a focus of world powers’ attention due to its still unexplored natural resources and the presence of Gawadar Deep Sea Port. In fact, Balochistan & Karachi are the economic lifeline of Pakistan.
It was in this backdrop that Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif underwent an important tour of Quetta and Karachi to discuss important issues including NFC Award with other Chief Ministers and to lay the foundation stone of 25 acre Punjab Institute of Cardiology, to be built with a cost of Rs. 2 billion in one and a half years in Quetta, for the poor cardiac patients of Balochistan who cannot travel to Karachi or Lahore for their treatment. Perhaps in the entire history of Pakistan, PIC Quetta is the only venture initiated by the government of one province for the people of other province. Balochi patients are also allowed by Punjab government to benefit from medical facilities available in DG Khan Division. Meanwhile, both the provincial governments also entered into an agreement to arrange 2400 ton coal for proposed DG Khan power plant. Balochistan has agreed to provide its fine coal for this project on daily basis and this plant will produce 150-200 MW electricity.
While in Karachi, Shahbaz observed in response to a media query that Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), is a political party with vote bank and like other political entities in the country, the MQM too has right to practice politics in Punjab. He was also quoted as saying that all the political forces in Pakistan will have to show care to cope with the challenges confronting the country. During his meeting with Shahbaz Sharif, Sindh Governor, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ibad thanked him and observed that it is prime time that all political parties show resilience and positive approach to fulfill the aspirations of the people.
Later, while speaking at a dinner hosted by Sindh Chief Minister for the participants of 7th NFC award meeting at Mohatta Palace in Karachi on the same day, Shahbaz Sharif said that restoration of democracy had been due to the sacrifice of blood of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and strengthening of the democratic institutions would be the best tribute to her. He recalled the agreement on Charter of Democracy reached between Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif and said that CoD proved a milestone for restoration of democracy in the country. If this charter is implemented with sincerity, the democracy, then, can be strengthened in the country, he further said. It is good that Punjab has announced to adopt flexible attitude on NFC Award and a multiple formula has been agreed upon by all provinces to decide a unanimous fate of NFC Award. It is expected that the cordial atmosphere created by four Chief Ministers will help strengthen democracy and inter-provincial relations as people live in provinces and their progress and prosperity would amount to the progress and prosperity of the whole country. NFC Award will also help to alleviate poverty and reducing inequality between provinces in the social and economic sectors.
Being president of PML (N) and Chief Minister of the largest province of Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif should continue touring of other provinces and meeting political forces as it would help to put together afferent leadership and increased understanding will also make Pakistan what it ought to be.
Well done and please keep it up Shahbaz Sharif……..

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