The concept of federalism in Pakistan has changed considerably since 1947, given the relevance of the issue between the tension among democratization, central authority, and provincial autonomy. However, the 2010 18th Constitutional Amendment was instrumental in that the power was taken away from the central government to the provinces. This research focuses on the history of federalism in Pakistan, the justification of the 18th Amendment, and its effect on governance, democracy, and intergovernmental relations. While the Amendment was celebrated as a step forward in the building of provincial autonomy and participatory democracy, its execution has been hindered by institutional, political, and administrative hindrances. This paper investigates whether the 18th Amendment has been a step for or against federalism. It also looks at what the future of cooperative federalism will be, taking present discussions in the areas of fiscal control, national integration, and political centralization.