Overview
Pakistan's founding unity during the independence movement has dissipated over time.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a democratic, inclusive state but his untimely demise in 1948 left these ideals unfulfilled.
Colonial legacies, centralized power structures, and political mismanagement have fostered internal divisions and weakened national cohesion.
Key Issues Affecting National Unity
Historical and Political Factors
Colonial Legacy:
Left Pakistan with fragmented governance and centralized power structures, undermining federalism and national integration.
Governance Challenges:
Dynastic political parties, praetorian governance, and establishment interference have eroded democracy.
The suppression of regional identities has fueled separatist movements and insurgencies.
Ethnic and Regional Disparities
Balochistan:

Persistent ethnic conflicts and insurgencies, rooted in power concentration and systematic marginalization.
Four major insurgencies since 1947, the latest beginning in 2006 after the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti.
High rates of enforced disappearances; as of August 2023, 2,708 cases reported in Balochistan.
Grievances linked to inequitable control over natural resources and suppression of regional autonomy.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP):

Marginalization and violence persist, exemplified by movements like the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM).
PTM highlights injustices, including the loss of 76,584 lives and 6,700 missing persons due to state violence and terrorism.
Sectarian and tribal disputes, such as the Kurram district convoy ambush on November 21, 2023, exacerbate instability.
KP and Balochistan are hotspots for terrorism, with the majority of 2023 attacks concentrated in these regions.
Systemic Flaws
Centralized Power:
Concentration of resources and authority in the central government alienates provinces and deepens distrust.
Security Issues:
Weak governance and unchecked actions of security forces undermine public trust.
Ineffective Federalism:
Failure to implement the 18th Amendment, which aims to decentralize power, hinders regional autonomy.
Path Forward
Strengthening Federalism:

Full implementation of the 18th Amendment to decentralize power.
Address regional grievances and ensure equitable control over resources.
Promote provincial autonomy as outlined in the constitution.
Accountability and Justice:

Investigate and resolve cases of missing persons.
Hold security forces accountable for abuses to rebuild public trust.
Inclusive Development:

Shift from oppressive governance to welfare-oriented policies.
Ensure representation and respect for ethnic and regional identities.
Conclusion
To achieve national unity and stability, Pakistan must embrace its founding principles of democracy, equality, and justice.
By addressing systemic flaws, respecting regional identities, and promoting inclusive governance, the nation can foster cohesion and thrive as envisioned by Jinnah