Naqvi vows not to back down on new provinces, says no one can stop it

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has intensified his stance on the creation of new administrative units, declaring he "will not back down" from the issue.

Speaking at a National Policy Dialogue in Lahore on Saturday, he stated that "no single person or political party" can stop the formation of new units if it is the will of the people. He stressed that the decision must be based on public opinion.

Naqvi reiterated his call for a "system reset," clarifying it meant fixing systemic flaws through constitutional and democratic means. He cited challenges facing the country, such as 25 million children being out of school and 2 million pending court cases, to argue for the need to restructure the system.

Other political figures also weighed in at the same event. Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal proposed the creation of new provinces or empowered district governments. MQM-P's Mustafa Kamal called for financial autonomy for every division, while Aun Chaudhry of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party also announced his support for new provinces.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has intensified the national debate on administrative reforms, declaring on Saturday that new provinces will be created and vowing not to back down from the issue. Speaking at the National Policy Dialogue in Lahore, he explicitly stated his support for creating a separate province for Islamabad.

"I am the biggest supporter of Islamabad province," Naqvi announced, adding that any new administrative units would only be formed based on public demand and consensus. He reiterated his call for a "system reset," clarifying it meant fixing systemic flaws through constitutional and democratic means.

The event also saw MQM-P's Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and PML-N's Khawaja Saad Rafique voice support for creating new administrative units to improve governance. The discussion has reportedly now also drawn in the PTI, broadening the political discourse on the contentious issue.

The political debate over the creation of new provinces has intensified, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi clarifying his previous remarks on a "governance reset" and a senior PPP leader issuing a sharp condemnation.

Speaking at the National Policy Dialogue in Lahore on Saturday, Naqvi stated that his call to reform the governance system was not directed at any specific political party but at the country's overall system since its independence. "Reset does not mean breaking the system... It means that whatever is wrong should be changed," he said, adding that the current administrative system had lost its effectiveness.

Naqvi emphasized that any proposed administrative reforms must be carried out through democratic means and within the bounds of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, PPP Senator Raza Rabbani condemned the statements from federal ministers regarding the creation of new provinces and administrative units, signaling continued deep divisions within the ruling coalition on the issue.

The political debate surrounding the creation of new provinces has intensified, with more senior leaders from various parties adding their perspectives.

PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique stated that a "legislative parliament" should be established before any new provinces are formed. Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also weighed in, offering a critical view on the current system of governance.

Meanwhile, the PPP reiterated its firm opposition, with Saadia Javed declaring that any division of Sindh, even under the guise of creating administrative units, would be unacceptable. Reports also indicate that PTI founder Imran Khan has reacted to the proposal, with his party's parliamentary position being noted as significant for any potential constitutional amendment.

The political debate over creating new provinces intensified on Friday as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) formally entered the discussion, with Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal proposing the division of Sindh into three administrative units.

Speaking to the media in Karachi, Kamal, who also holds the portfolio for health, argued that the core issue was the distribution of resources and authority, not provincial names or ethnic divisions. He questioned the resistance to dividing Sindh, pointing out that the creation of seven districts had not broken Karachi. He criticised the PPP-led provincial government's performance, citing issues with sanitation and public services in the city.

Kamal stated that the MQM-P has not retreated from its stance on creating administrative provinces and is ready for talks to resolve the country's systemic problems. Other political figures also weighed in, with Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) President Aleem Khan backing the call for new provinces and administrative reforms. PML-N's Saad Rafique and PTI's Asad Umar also commented on the matter, with Umar calling for the debate to follow constitutional procedures.

The political controversy over the creation of new provinces has intensified, with leaders from various parties exchanging sharp remarks. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah issued a stern warning, stating, "No one can talk about breaking Sindh apart!"

The debate, initiated by a PML-N proposal, has seen increased friction within the ruling coalition. PML-N's Khawaja Asif criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) regarding the creation of a Saraiki province and the integrity of Sindh's borders. In response to the opposition, Mustafa Kamal accused the PPP of resisting the division of provinces due to concerns over funds and noted that the idea of creating provinces was mentioned in the constitution by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Other political figures, including PML-N's Saad Rafique and PTI's Fawad Chaudhry, have also publicly commented on the matter as the debate continues to heat up across the country.

Former Punjab chief minister and PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz on Friday suggested that a fully empowered local government system could have eliminated the need for the current debate over creating new provinces.

Speaking to a media delegation in Lahore, he said that if local governments were allowed to function effectively with a constitutionally protected tenure, similar to national and provincial assemblies, there would be little need for the discussion. He called for dialogue among political parties to find a way forward on the issue of new provinces.

However, Hamza also stated that political parties, including his own, needed to engage in self-reflection over their failure to empower local governments. “Every blame cannot be placed on the establishment. Political parties should also do some soul-searching. Did we do our part?” he asked, acknowledging that even during past PML-N governments, local bodies were not sufficiently empowered.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has rejected the government's proposal to create new provinces, adding another dimension to the ongoing political debate. His opposition comes as friction continues between the ruling coalition partners, the PML-N and PPP, over the issue.

Meanwhile, former PTI leader and federal minister Asad Umar stated on Friday that the creation of new provinces is "inconceivable" without the involvement of PTI founder Imran Khan. Speaking to the media in Lahore, he called for discussions on the matter to be held in all assemblies.

The debate was initiated by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who has since clarified his call is for either new provinces or empowered district governments to improve administration. Some reports have suggested a proposal for as many as 15 new provinces is under consideration.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has intensified his criticism of the PPP over the creation of new provinces, stating in a social media post that the devolution of power is “inevitable”. He accused the PPP of a “dual policy,” claiming it supports a Seraiki province in Punjab but opposes new administrative units elsewhere. Asif linked the need for devolution to the 18th Amendment, arguing the current concentration of power has made the system “obsolete”.

Separately, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called for a protest on September 27 regarding the issue. Meanwhile, government advisor Rana Sanaullah stated that no bill on creating new administrative units is currently before parliament.

The political friction within the ruling coalition has intensified, with Pakistan Peoples Party leader Shazia Marri responding to criticism from Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif over the issue of creating new provinces. The defence minister also reportedly reiterated his criticism of the PPP in a recent social media post.

Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Friday accused the Pakistan Peoples Party of adopting a "dual policy" regarding the creation of new provinces. In a statement on social media platform X, he claimed that while the PPP shows a "soft corner" for a Seraiki province, it begins to talk of "Sindhudesh" when the discussion turns to creating more administrative units beyond the existing four.

The minister argued that the devolution of power, as intended by the 18th Amendment, has not been fully implemented. He stated that the current system has become "obsolete" due to the concentration of power and that the transfer of authority to lower levels is "inevitable," whether through new provinces or administrative units.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a key ally in the ruling coalition, has questioned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s silence over the ongoing debate on creating new provinces, demanding he clarify his stance on the matter. Talking to the media on Friday, PPP Parliamentarians Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bokhari stated that while several federal ministers have supported the idea, the prime minister's silence on such a serious issue was concerning. Meanwhile, PML-N leader and Adviser to the PM Rana Sanaullah reiterated on Friday that no bill, resolution, or preparations for creating new provinces are currently underway. The PPP had previously seen a resolution passed in the Sindh Assembly opposing any division of existing provinces.

The political debate over the creation of new provinces has seen further developments, with senior politician Farooq Sattar proposing that authority be shifted from the provinces to the federation. His suggestion adds a new dimension to the discussion, which has already created friction between coalition partners.

Meanwhile, PPP leader Imdad Ali Pitafi commented on the recent fiery session in the Sindh Assembly, describing the speeches made by members as "emotional." He clarified that the PPP had not sent any specific "message" through the proceedings, which saw the passage of a resolution against the division of Sindh.

Available reports also mention discussions between PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi concerning the ongoing debate.

Senior PML-N leader and federal minister Rana Sanaullah stated on Friday that the federal government has no plan to divide Sindh, describing the debate in the provincial assembly as "premature."

However, in a separate statement, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal proposed the creation of 15 new provinces or 160 empowered district governments across Pakistan to improve administration. He argued that large provinces cannot be effectively governed from single cities and that the current system is overloaded.

The statements drew a sharp response from the PPP-led Sindh government. Spokesperson Saadia Javed warned federal ministers to "stop playing politics with Sindh's constitutional and geographical rights." Another spokesperson, Ganwar Khan Isran, accused the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) of "drama and theatrics," claiming they fled the assembly before the resolution on Sindh's unity was passed.

Sindh's Local Government Minister, Nasir Hussain Shah, also accused the opposition of using false allegations to hide a "conspiracy to divide the land."

The Sindh Assembly on Friday, September 4, passed a resolution against the division of the province, reinforcing the Pakistan Peoples Party's staunch opposition to the creation of new provinces.

The session, chaired by Speaker Owais Qadir Shah, was marked by chaotic scenes and heated exchanges between the government and opposition members. During the debate, PPP leader Faryal Talpur delivered a strong address on the issue.

The move comes as the debate intensifies between the PPP and its coalition partners, particularly the PML-N, over the proposal for new administrative units. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has continued to voice its support for creating new provinces.

In a new development, senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Asif has clarified his party's position on the creation of new provinces. Another PML-N leader, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, also commented on the matter, describing it as a 'national issue'.

This comes as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has also voiced its support for creating new provinces, intensifying the political debate between the ruling coalition partners.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has reiterated its firm opposition to the creation of new provinces, issuing a clear response to its coalition partner, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), on the matter. PPP leader Syed Naveed Qamar delivered a statement reinforcing the party's stance. Reports also indicate that former president Asif Ali Zardari has taken a firm position on the issue, amid growing political tensions between the two parties over the debate.

The debate surrounding the potential creation of new provinces, including the division of Sindh, escalated on Friday. Inside the Sindh Assembly, the session was marked by an uproar from opposition lawmakers, leading to the meeting being adjourned until Monday. Reports also suggest the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has now joined the wider political discussion on the matter.

The Sindh government has rejected a resolution tabled by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) against 'Sindhudesh', according to reports from September 4.

A spokesperson for the Sindh government, Sadia Javed, warned the opposition against using "irresponsible language" regarding the Chief Minister and described MQM-P's actions as "political drama and empty slogans."

In response to the ongoing debate, MQM-P's Ali Khursheedi commented on the government's rejection of the resolution. Separately, politician Tariq Fazal stated that the Sindh Assembly cannot ban debate on national issues.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) lawmakers staged a protest during a session of the Sindh Assembly, chanting slogans of "Sindhu Desh na manzoor" (Sindhu Desh unacceptable).

The disruption occurred as an audit report was being tabled, with opposition members creating a chaotic scene on the assembly floor.

Adding a prominent voice to the ongoing debate, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Faryal Talpur has publicly declared that Sindh will not be divided. Her statement reinforces the stance taken by her party and the Sindh Assembly.

The political debate surrounding the unity of Sindh has taken a new turn, with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) clarifying its position. MQM-P leader Ali Khursheedi issued a statement asserting that his party also opposes any division of the province. This comes after the MQM-P had boycotted the Sindh Assembly session where the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) passed a resolution against the creation of new administrative units.

During the heated assembly session, new details have emerged, including PPP leader Sharmeel Memon playing a video of journalist Hamid Mir, which was reportedly met with applause from members, underscoring the sentiment in the house against any division.

The political debate over the creation of new administrative provinces has intensified, with prominent figures from both provincial and federal governments weighing in. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has reiterated his government's firm opposition, warning that even the National Assembly cannot discuss the division of Sindh.

Meanwhile, PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira emphasized that any process for creating new provinces must strictly follow the constitution. In a direct response from the federal government, Khawaja Asif stated that new provinces will be created. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) also continues to pursue the matter, with MPA Muhammad Usman discussing the party's strategy.

The political debate surrounding the potential division of Sindh has escalated, with federal figures now publicly commenting on the matter. Federal Minister for Sports Das Kohistani has voiced his opposition to any division of the province.

In a contrasting view, Aqeel Malik has publicly advocated for the creation of new administrative units, explaining the perceived need for such changes. This development highlights a growing divergence between the Sindh provincial government's position and arguments being made by proponents of administrative reform at the national level.

Following the assembly session, PPP leader Saeed Ghani reiterated the party's stance, stating that "Sindh will remain one." The political debate also saw warnings that any move to divide Sindh could potentially trigger a crisis similar to the situation in Balochistan, according to available reports.

The Sindh Assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution formally rejecting any attempts to divide the province or create new administrative units. The resolution states that the house rejects any proposal, plan, or constitutional arrangement that seeks to alter Sindh's existing territorial limits.

It also rejects any plan to place any part of the province under a separate or federal administrative arrangement and calls on the federal government and all political parties to respect the "repeatedly expressed democratic will of the people of Sindh."

The resolution was passed amid a walkout by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI). Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi stated the boycott was because the treasury had refused to include three points proposed by the MQM-P in the resolution. Lawmakers from Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) were reportedly not present in the assembly when the resolution was tabled.

Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah declared during the session that "there will be no compromise on Sindh’s geographical unity."

The political debate over creating new provinces has seen further commentary, with Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Farooq Sattar now also weighing in on the issue.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has weighed in on the political debate regarding the creation of new provinces, issuing a statement to clarify the position of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

His comments add a new dimension to the discussion, which has recently been dominated by the Sindh Assembly's resolution against any division of the province.

Following the Sindh Assembly's resolution against the division of the province, the federal government has weighed in on the debate. Government spokesperson Barrister Aqeel Malik has publicly clarified the centre's position on the creation of new provinces.

The clarification comes amid reports suggesting a potential divergence of views between the federal government and the Pakistan Peoples Party, which governs Sindh. Some reports indicate that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif may be open to the idea of new administrative units, a stance that contrasts with the PPP's firm opposition to any division of Sindh.

The political debate surrounding the potential creation of new provinces has intensified following the Sindh Assembly's resolution against any division of the province. Reports indicate that Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has conveyed a message to PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari on the matter. Meanwhile, PML-N leader Abid Sher Ali stated that his party is not under any pressure regarding the issue. The Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami also weighed in, criticising the government's handling of the situation.

Pakistan Peoples Party Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has also voiced his opposition to any potential division of Sindh, reinforcing his party's stance on the issue.

The resolution, presented by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) member Nisar Khuhro, was passed on Thursday after a heated debate.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah stated that he had invited the opposition to pass a joint resolution but they insisted on including the creation of new administrative units. He argued that this was a separate issue and accused the opposition of "bad faith" for walking out instead of agreeing.

In response, Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi of the MQM-P clarified that his party was advocating for administrative units and the devolution of power, not the division of the province. He accused the PPP of inciting ethnic tensions. Following the disagreement, members of the MQM, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged a walkout.

Separately, JUI leader Rashid Mahmood Soomro also stated his party would not allow Sindh to be divided. Minister of State Kheeal Das Kohistani confirmed that the topic of new provinces has not been discussed in the federal cabinet, parliament, or within the PML-N's central committee.

During the heated session on Thursday, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and PPP leader Faryal Talpur led a protest inside the assembly, with members holding placards to voice their opposition to any division of the province.

Responding to the statements from the PPP leadership, MQM-P's Farooq Sattar has criticised Faryal Talpur and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, intensifying the political confrontation over the issue of new provinces.

President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday affirmed his position against the creation of new provinces, reinforcing the Pakistan Peoples Party's stance on the issue. His statement came amid a heated session in the Sindh Assembly where the potential division of the province was debated.

During the session, senior PPP leader Nisar Khuhro also delivered a speech opposing any division of Sindh. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah was also reported to have directed remarks at MQM's Mustafa Kamal regarding the debate on administrative units.

The debate over the administrative status of Sindh escalated on Thursday as the provincial assembly passed a resolution against any division of the province. The move followed a fiery session marked by strong speeches from government and opposition benches.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah delivered a powerful address, warning the federal government against any attempts to divide Sindh. He asserted that Sindh's contribution to the creation of Pakistan was clear and that decisions regarding the province would be made within its own assembly.

PPP leader Faryal Talpur also spoke passionately, stating, “Sindh is our mother, we will never let it be divided.”

From the opposition, MQM's Ali Khurshidi declared that decisions about Sindh would be made in Karachi, “not in Lahore.” Reports also indicated that the MQM has prepared a 9-point agenda regarding the issue.

During the session, opposition parties including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged a walkout, boycotting a vote on a bill related to the division of Sindh.

The debate over the creation of new provinces intensified in the Sindh Assembly on Thursday, marked by fiery speeches and a walkout by the opposition. During the heated session, PPP leader Sharjeel Memon strongly reiterated his party's stance, vowing, “We will die, but never let Sindh be divided.” He asserted that any decision regarding new provinces must be made within the assemblies. The session also saw a strong speech from Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi of the MQM, after which opposition members staged a walkout.