National Assembly
Director General of Media
Press Release
Islamabad (10-05-2023):

Effective Federalism :a sure tool to resolve multiple challenges says MNA Dr. Nafisa Shah


The first breakout session of the International Parliament Convention commenced here at the National Assembly Hall on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Pakistan’s Constitution. Member National Assembly Nafisa Shah while chairing the session explores the challenges and opportunities associated with Federation and Devolution. The speakers having expertise in federalism and Devolution of Power debated on challenges confronted by different nations in the current scenario.

Dr. Nafisa Shah, MNA, in her inaugural speech quoted Lord Acton which states that "Federalism is best to curb on democracy. It assigns limited power to the central government. Thereby all power is limited. It excludes absolute power of the majority". She aimed that Only the Federalism provides solutions to diversification. Moreover, she highlighted that federalism has helped federating units in achieving different milestones over the past few years, including the Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act.

Senator Anwar-Ul-Kakar stating that the federating units are a symbol of ethnicity he said that Pakistan's inception is a direct product of Indian Independence Act and the 18th amendment is a milestone in the constitution of Pakistan. He stressed that although the federating units have been empowered and there is an emergent need to devolve the powers to the local bodies, so that the concerns of 'Have not' should be addressed.

Shama Haider, New Jersey State representative USA, stated that the backdrop of democracy is the devolution of powers. Devolution of powers helps in exoneration of racism, and promotes individualism among the masses. Shama Haider, New Jersey State Representative USA, while addressing said that USA is the most successful federation in the world and its success rests on devolution of power. She underscored that Federalism in the USA results in maximum budgetary allocation for the Health and Education sector and she hoped the same for the future of Pakistan.

While addressing the breakout session of the International Parliament Convention on federalism and devolution of Power, Ch. Manzoor Ahmed maintained that Sindh has achieved much in the Health sector over the past few years and is devising mechanisms for the better utilisation and conservation of mineral resources. He highlighted that  “Thar has coal reserves of around 175 Billion Ton, and the project to produce electricity was delayed due to non-determination on the share of the federal and provincial government. However, the 18th Amendment resolved the issue and as of now around 3000 MegaWatt electricity has been produced from Thar.

Moreover, Farah Maalim Mohamed, Former Deputy Speaker of National Assembly of Kenya, supported Federalism and Devolution of Power in the Constitution. He stressed that accountability should be the cornerstone of federalism because without the former the federalism will only perpetuate corruption and exploitation.

The session concluded with a round of questions and answers from the eminent scholars and speakers. The Chair stressed that the Federation must play a decisive role in addressing the key questions of identity, backwardness and rights of minorities in the far flung areas. The panel also highlighted that federalism with better coordination would yeild fruitful results.