This letter refers to the news article ‘A widening gap’ (June 14, 2026, TNS) by Naseer Memon. The article and recent discussions on fiscal arrangements between the federation and the provinces, point towards a deeper structural issue in Pakistan’s governance and economy. There is increasingly a gap between constitutional responsibilities and financial resources. The 18th Amendment devolved major functions such as health, education, local government, water supply and sanitation to the provinces. However, the latest budgetary arrangements suggest that while responsibilities continue to grow, fiscal space at the provincial level may be shrinking. This trend raises an important question: can provinces continue to deliver public services when their financial capacity is constrained?
A strong federation cannot be built on financially weak provinces. The real challenge before policymakers is not simply balancing budgets but preserving the constitutional equilibrium between the federation and the federating units. Any departure from that balance, even through indirect fiscal arrangements, deserves transparent public debate and parliamentary scrutiny. Pakistan’s future stability depends not only on economic growth but also on maintaining trust between the federation and the provinces. That trust is sustained when constitutional commitments are honoured both in letter and in spirit.
Dr Abdul Qadeer Memon
Naushahro Feroze
