Federalism and Ethnic Conflict Management in Pakistan

Ayesha Aqeel

Himalayan Politics Journal, Vol # 1, Issue # 1
Federalism and Ethnic Conflict Management in Pakistan

Federalism and Ethnic Conflict Management in Pakistan

Ayesha Aqeel/
December 30, 2024

Keywords

Federalism, Ethnic Conflict Management, 18th amendment, National Finance Commission, National Economic Council, Council of Common Interest

Abstract

Pakistan, a diverse nation with a complex ethno-cultural landscape, has grappled with ethnic conflicts since its inception in 1947. The country's federal structure, characterized by a division of powers between the central and provincial governments, has been both a source of ethnic tensions and a potential avenue for conflict resolution. The federal system in Pakistan, enshrined in its constitution, recognizes its various provinces' unique cultural, linguistic, and historical identities. However, the historical centralization of power in the hands of the federal government has led to a sense of marginalization and grievances among certain ethnic groups, particularly in the provinces of Sindh and Baluchistan. Ethnic conflicts often stem from resource allocation, political representation, and cultural autonomy issues. The federal structure provides a framework for addressing these conflicts by devolving power and resource sharing among provinces. The 18th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan in 2010 was a significant milestone in this regard, granting greater autonomy to the provinces and redistributing resources. Effective conflict management requires constitutional reforms, and inclusive governance, economic development, and reconciliation efforts simultaneously. Federalism plays a crucial role in addressing ethnic conflicts by acknowledging ethnic plurality and providing mechanisms for devolution of power. However, achieving lasting peace and stability requires a multi-faceted approach that’s a combination of constitutional reforms, economic development, political inclusivity, and interethnic dialogue

How to cite

Aqeel, A. (2025). Federalism and Ethnic Conflict Management in Pakistan. Himalayan Politics Journal, 1(1). https://politics.thrip.org/website/journal/article/67756e32ba4c6/page

Retrieved from https://politics.thrip.org/website/journal/article/67756e32ba4c6/page

More citation formats

ACM SIG Proceedings

[1]Aqeel, A. 2025. Federalism and Ethnic Conflict Management in Pakistan. Himalayan Politics Journal. 1, 1 (Jan. 2025).

ACS Nano

(1)Aqeel, A. Federalism and Ethnic Conflict Management in Pakistan. Himalayan Politics Journal 2025, 1 (1).

ABNT

AQEEL, Ayesha. Federalism and Ethnic Conflict Management in Pakistan. Himalayan Politics Journal, v. 1, n. 1, 1 Jan.2025.

Chicago (author-date)

Harvard (Cite Them Right)

Aqeel, A. (2025) “Federalism and Ethnic Conflict Management in Pakistan”, Himalayan Politics Journal, 1(1). Available at: https://politics.thrip.org/website/journal/article/67756e32ba4c6/page (Accessed: 6 June 2026).

IEEE

[1]A. Aqeel, “Federalism and Ethnic Conflict Management in Pakistan”, Himalayan Politics Journal, vol. 1, no. 1, Jan. 2025, Accessed: June 06, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://politics.thrip.org/website/journal/article/67756e32ba4c6/page

MLA

Aqeel, Ayesha. “Federalism and Ethnic Conflict Management in Pakistan”. Himalayan Politics Journal, vol. 1, no. 1, Jan. 2025, https://politics.thrip.org/website/journal/article/67756e32ba4c6/page.

Turabian (full note bibliography)

Aqeel, Ayesha. “Federalism and Ethnic Conflict Management in Pakistan”. Himalayan Politics Journal 1, no. 1 (January 1, 2025). Accessed June 6, 2026. https://politics.thrip.org/website/journal/article/67756e32ba4c6/page.

Vancouver

1.Aqeel A. Federalism and Ethnic Conflict Management in Pakistan. Himalayan Politics Journal [Internet]. 2025 Jan. 1 [cited 2026 June 6];1(1). Available from: https://politics.thrip.org/website/journal/article/67756e32ba4c6/page

AMA

1.Aqeel A. Federalism and Ethnic Conflict Management in Pakistan. Himalayan Politics Journal. 2025;1(1). Accessed June 6, 2026. https://politics.thrip.org/website/journal/article/67756e32ba4c6/page

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