THE 18th Amendment reflected the collective commitment of the 2008 parliament to increased participatory federalism. Its authors were aware that devolving powers to the federating units would not be seamless, despite the tremendous support that political parties had extended to the changes in centre-province relations. That is why the Council of Common Interests was ‘institutionalised’ in the amendment, with its own separate secretariat. Its decisions can now be overturned only by a joint sitting of parliament. Unfortunately, some elements are trying their best to roll back the amendment to ensure the continuation of the centre’s dominant position in the federal scheme. In fact, when in power, certain political parties, including some that had supported........