A vast majority of Muslims of the Indian Subcontinent showed remarkable unity and got what they wanted: Pakistan—an independent state for Muslims. One of the bitterest truths is, however, that the unity Muslims had shown during the freedom struggle is still elusive in today’s Pakistan. Pakistan gained its independence from the shackles of the British colonial rule. Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan, envisioned a state based on democratic principles—freedom, justice, and equality. His speech on August 11, 1947, wherein he said, “You are free; you are free to go to your temples […] to any other places of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed—that has nothing to do with the business of the state,” and his motto “unity, faith, and discipline” was a clarion call for national unity. There was a sense of unity when he was alive, but it seems to have vanished since his untimely demise in 1948.

Pakistan has been lurching from crisis to crisis since then. The failure to effectively manage power structures, coupled with the migration crisis, institutional deficiencies, and colonial legacies, concentrated power in the hands of a few, stifling the development of an inclusive and cohesive environment necessary for the growth of a nation. These foundational shortcomings have left Pakistan susceptible to internal divisions, where ethnic, linguistic, and regional disparities continue to challenge the unity envisioned by its founding fathers.

As Lawrence Ziring notes in his book “Pakistan: The Enigma of Political Development,” the colonial legacy in Pakistan left a fragmented political system with centralized power structures that were not conducive to fostering national integration. Instead of building inclusive institutions, the focus remained on maintaining centralized control, which undermined the development of a democratic and cohesive state. However, the praetorian governance structure, the dynastic nature of political parties, and the recurring interference of the establishment have led to a weakened parliament and a pyrrhic democratic structure. The erosion of federalism has, thus, been a consistent feature of Pakistan’s political landscape. Historical events, such as the repressive governance towards East Pakistan, which culminated in the creation of Bangladesh, serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting regional grievances.
As Ayesha Jalal argues in her book, “The Struggle for Pakistan: A Muslim Homeland and Global Politics,” the failure of the central government to recognize the political and cultural aspirations of East Pakistan, coupled with the suppression of autonomy, led to escalating tensions and, ultimately, the secession of East Pakistan in 1971.

Today, Pakistan faces a similar crisis of national unity, where the trust between the centre and provinces is increasingly frayed. The concentration of power and resources in the hands of the central government has led to a sense of alienation in regions such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Balochistan has been a hotbed of ethnic conflict since 1947, having witnessed four major insurgencies—in 1948, 1962-69, 1973-77 and 2006. The most recent insurgency traces its origins to the killing of prominent Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Shahbaz Khan Bugti during a military oppression in 2006. The concentration of power in the hands of the central government, as well as the systematic suppression of regional identities by Pakistan's ruling elites, has been the key driver of the Baloch ethnic conflict. This issue is closely linked to Pakistan’s struggle with federalism, where one province’s dominance over others has led to insurgencies, terrorist movements and growing extremism in both Balochistan and KP.
According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, as of August 2023, there were 9,967 reported cases of enforced disappearances in Pakistan, with 2,708 of those originating from Balochistan alone.

In a similar vein, KP, with its own history of marginalization, is witnessing the rise of movements like the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), which underscore the need for a federal framework that accommodates ethnic and regional diversity. The PTM, led by Manzoor Pashteen, has emerged as a strong voice for justice and the rights of the Pashtun community. On October 11, 2023, the Pashtun Qaumi Jirga, convened by Manzoor, united the Pashtun community to highlight the brutalities and injustices they have faced at the hands of the state. A documentary shown during the jirga reported that 76,584 individuals from KP have been killed in bombings, shootings and other attacks, while 6,700 people remain missing. This tragic reality highlights the political instability, violence and social crisis that continue to engulf both Balochistan and KP.

Both KP and Balochistan are lurching from one crisis to another. On November 21, a heart-wrenching incident occurred in the Kurram district of KP, where a passenger convoy travelling from Parachinar to Peshawar was ambushed by an unknown group. The attack, rooted in long-lasting tribal disputes and deeply entrenched religious sectarianism, left scores of people dead and others injured, including women and children.
According to a report released by the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), the majority of the 48 reported terrorist attacks occurred in KP and Balochistan, highlighting the precarious security situation in these provinces.

To preserve Pakistan’s unity and stability, it is essential to address the systemic flaws that have long hindered the development of a cohesive state. A shift from an oppressive to a welfare-oriented approach, coupled with the full implementation of the 18th Amendment to decentralize power, is crucial for strengthening federalism and promoting national integration.
Proactively addressing regional grievances, ensuring equitable control over natural resources and granting provinces their rightful autonomy in line with the constitution are vital steps in fostering trust between the center and the provinces. Additionally, ensuring justice for missing persons and holding security forces accountable will rebuild public faith in state institutions. Through these comprehensive reforms, Pakistan can move towards a more unified and stable future, where federalism is fully realized and all ethnic and regional identities are respected, allowing the nation to thrive as envisioned by its founders.