POLITICS OF REGIONALISM: A CASE STUDY OF BAHAWALPUR REGION (1947 - 2000)

Abstract

Regionalism is an ambiguous and contested concept. It can take many shapes. In principle it recognizes the distinct features of a geographical region within a country. It may involve sentiments like love of one's own region, the desire of reviving a glorious past, fear of a strong central government and a stronger belief in regional self-government. This study offers a thorough analysis of the politics of Bahawalpur describing the political behaviour of the local people in terms of regionalism. Bahawalpur State, had a separate political and administrative identity. The State had its own legislative assembly and high court. Prime Minister was the administrative head of the State. The Nawab of Bahawalpur was the permanent constitutional head. The pace of development was satisfactory and the State continued to grow as one of the richest states of the Sub-Continent. But after the State's merger into One Unit, the people of Bahawalpur did not feel comfortable with the new arrangement. Their perceived grievances were with respect to slow development effort, allotment of land to outsiders, lower share in provincial and federal jobs, and expending the earnings of Bahawalpur region in other areas. The cumulative effect of these individual grievances was the demand for Bahawalpur Province based on political, administrative and economic considerations. The study has looked into the origin of the Abbaside dynasty of Bahawalpur, life sketches, roles and contributions of all the Nawabs, who ruled Bahawalpur State. Politics prevailing in the region is thoroughly studied which includes the time when the region was an autonomous state and also after its abolition. The study determines whether accession has been a good experience for the people of Bahawalpur region. The answer is in affirmative. Accession was a reflection of the collective will of the people. The study also enquires into the actual aspirations of the people of the region towards the Bahawalpur Province Movement and Saraiki Province Movement and find that the latter has a negligible following. The genesis of the political activities, the introduction of main stream national political parties and the emergence of regional parties are discussed. The old but perennial political undercurrent based on a cultural heritage of affinity to sufi schools and shrines and the later trend of regionalism have been _ dis cOjie-red-a s---tl:l e-J+l a i R-GeteFfflin-afl-ts-ef-pelihcs-imhi-s-re-giun . Next was the examination of the question whether regionalism in Bahawalpur is a force of disintegration or a force of integration. It leads to the gratifying conclusion that it is a struggle for better opportunite for improvement in life within the ambit of national politics of Pakistan. The study concludes with recommendations for giving sympathetic and careful consideration to popular demands of the region, which do not seem to be in conflict with the national interest of the country.