Fazlur Rehman says talk of new provinces is not new amid ongoing debate

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has commented on the ongoing national debate regarding the creation of new provinces, stating that such discussions have occurred in the past.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has formally clarified its position on the creation of new provinces, with party leader Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry publicly explaining the party's stance amid the ongoing national debate.

The clarification comes as political discussions on the issue intensify, with various parties and citizen groups weighing in. The move by the PML-N adds a new dimension to the debate, which was recently reignited by the MQM-P and has seen strong opposition from the PPP-led government in Sindh.

The debate over the creation of new administrative provinces in Pakistan has broadened, with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) reportedly making a U-turn on its previous stance, according to media reports from August 31. Details from a purported key party meeting suggest a shift in the party's policy on the matter.

The discussion has also drawn in the PML-N, with questions being raised about its official position. Simultaneously, calls from the public for new provinces have grown louder across the country. Citizens in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Hazara, Sargodha, Chichawatni, and Karachi have voiced their support, citing potential for better governance, increased development, and local prosperity. Some residents, such as those in Chichawatni, expressed a desire to avoid traveling to Lahore for administrative matters.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has weighed in on the ongoing national debate over the creation of new provinces, warning that such a move without the proper "environment and preparation" would lead to "destruction."

Speaking to the media in Larkana on August 31, he stated that while the question of new provinces has been raised before, the country is not ready for it. He also commented on the 18th Amendment, suggesting that the resources provinces received are not being properly managed.

Adding to the ongoing political debate, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Ali Khursheedi has stated that the matter of creating new administrative units will "definitely be discussed."

The Sindh Assembly on Monday, August 31, rejected any proposal to divide the province following a heated debate. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah delivered a fiery speech on the assembly floor, issuing an open challenge to proponents of the division. Following the address, assembly members formally rejected the notion of splitting Sindh.

Adding to the Pakistan Peoples Party's firm opposition to the creation of new administrative units, senior Sindh minister Nasir Hussain Shah has reiterated that the province will not be divided. In a statement on Sunday, Shah strongly affirmed the party's stance against any proposal to create new provinces out of Sindh.

The debate over the potential division of Sindh has now reached the provincial assembly, where Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah delivered an address on the matter on Sunday, August 31. The session saw discussions on a motion regarding the creation of new provinces.

Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab continued to voice his opposition, questioning if proponents of the division wished to return to an “era of strikes and violence.”

In a direct response to calls for the creation of new administrative units, a 'Wahdat-e-Sindh' (Unity of Sindh) march was held in Karachi on Sunday.

Protesters at the rally voiced their support for the province's unity, opposing any potential division.

This development follows recent statements and a rally by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) advocating for the creation of new provinces, which drew criticism from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) that governs Sindh.

The political friction over the creation of new administrative units has sharpened, with Karachi Mayor and PPP leader Murtaza Wahab criticising statements made by MQM-P's Mustafa Kamal. This follows a recent MQM-P rally where Kamal advocated for new provinces and directed criticism at the Pakistan Peoples Party, which governs Sindh.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has formally joined the call for new administrative units in the country, holding a public rally in Karachi's Orangi Town. Addressing the gathering, Federal Minister for Health and MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal stated that his party is at the forefront of the movement, arguing that those who oppose new units are disagreeing with the vision of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Mr. Kamal asserted that the constitution could be amended to create new provinces and criticized the Sindh government over Karachi's census figures and governance issues. Another party leader, Anis Kaimkhani, called for the creation of 32 administrative units across Pakistan for the country's stability.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Peoples Party's Nisar Khuhro said that a resolution regarding new provinces would be passed after an adjournment motion is taken up in the assembly.

In a new development, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) leader Abdul Aleem Khan has met with key political figures from South Punjab. The meeting is part of the IPP's recently announced political mobilization campaign to press for the creation of a new province in the region.

Responding to the ongoing debate, senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Nisar Khuhro has addressed the issue of creating new administrative units in the country. His comments represent the party's formal reaction to the latest calls for new provinces from other political groups.

The push for new administrative provinces has gained further momentum as political delegations from South Punjab met with Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) leader Abdul Aleem Khan. The meeting follows Mr. Khan's recent announcement of a major political mobilization to support the creation of new provinces, including one in South Punjab.

Separately, Khalid Mahmood Khokhar, President of the Pakistan Kisan Ittehad (Farmers Union), has reiterated the demand for new provinces, calling their formation essential.

The debate on creating new provinces has gained further momentum, with Federal Minister and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) leader Abdul Aleem Khan announcing a major political mobilization to support the cause.

Mr. Khan has publicly stated that new provinces, including a South Punjab province, must be created. Separately, the Pakistan Kisan Ittehad has also joined the discussion, declaring that the formation of new provinces is "inevitable."

Former Prime Minister and senior political figure Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has weighed in on the ongoing debate, drawing a distinction between the creation of new provinces and the establishment of new administrative units.

Senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah has stated that the issue of creating new provinces should have been brought up in Parliament for debate.

His comments, reported on August 29, add another voice to the renewed discussion surrounding the potential establishment of new administrative units in Pakistan.