IT would be unfair not to give credit to the federating units for being able to unite on the 7th NFC formula after failing to do so for the past 19 years. The signing ceremony that took place in Gwadar attended by Prime Minister Gilani and the four CMs was a scene that would boost the nation's morale. The sense of injustice fuelling secessionist tendencies provoked by the general impression that it was Punjab or the Centre for that matter which would have the lion's share of the divisible pool would now hopefully be removed. The Balochistan Chief Minister also seemed fairly content with the award. It is hoped that the funds would now be spent on public welfare. The prevailing sense of deprivation and alienation among the masses of the neglected provinces cannot be eliminated unless the scourge of poverty, illiteracy and ignorance that breeds it, is defeated. While equitable distribution of resources would help paper over the cracks in the federation, the only thing that can guarantee a strong Pakistan, in a true sense of the word, is the restoration of the 1973 Constitution. It is a pity that the extra-parliamentary accumulations introduced arbitrarily by the military rulers still prevail. Mr Gilani, who keeps saying that he runs the show, has turned out to be a mouthpiece of President Zardari striving his best to sustain the status quo. Modifications in the Constitution, making it in line with the democratic order, could have been made at the time when the PPP government took charge. A weak parliament led by a docile PM overshadowed by an immensely powerful president runs counter to the spirit of the Constitution and would fuel resentment towards the Centre. There should be little doubt that the NFC award is a success, but resurrecting the Constitution in its original shape should follow it up immediately.