PML-N states position on creation of new provinces

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has announced its decision regarding the ongoing national debate on the creation of new administrative provinces, according to available reports. This development comes as the discussion, initiated by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, continues to evolve.

Meanwhile, citizens' demands for a separate South Punjab province persist, with some proponents arguing that new administrative units would lead to better educational opportunities in the region.

The debate remains contentious, with strong opposition to any alteration of provincial boundaries, particularly in Sindh.

The debate has highlighted differing views on Pakistan's administrative structure. Proponents argue for new provinces, such as South Punjab and Greater Karachi, to improve governance and bring power closer to the people.

However, the idea has been met with varied reactions. Reports suggest that while some parts of the state establishment may be open to 'right-sizing' the federation, political parties have expressed mixed opinions, and nationalist parties, especially in Sindh, are strongly opposed.

The sentiment in Sindh is also linked to its historical identity, having been a distinct province since its separation from the Bombay Presidency in 1936, a decade before Partition.

The Sindh Assembly Secretariat has formally conveyed its resolution against any proposal to divide the province to the federal government. According to reports on September 9, letters have been sent to the principal secretaries of the president and prime minister, as well as to the secretariats of the Senate and National Assembly.

The resolution calls upon the federal government, parliament, and all political parties to respect the will of the people of Sindh and refrain from any proposal that would alter the province's territorial integrity.

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has clarified his party's position on the creation of new provinces, stating that the PPP will not permit the division of any province, including Sindh. He emphasized that under the Constitution, any alteration to a province's borders requires a two-thirds majority in the provincial assembly, a majority the PPP currently holds in Sindh, making such a move impossible without its consent.

Joining the discussion, MQM leader Mustafa Kamal has also publicly stated his party's stance, arguing that the creation of new provinces could lead to improvements in the country.

The political debate surrounding the creation of new administrative units has intensified, with new arguments emerging from different parties. MQM leader Waseem Akhtar has voiced support for new units in Sindh, stating the province has been "devastated" and that such a move could improve residents' lives. In response, the PPP's Sharmila Faruqui has sharpened her party's opposition, with reports quoting her as saying the "Prime Minister is powerless" in the matter. The ongoing discussion has also raised questions about the PML-N's official position, with uncertainty over whether it supports full-fledged new provinces or smaller administrative units.

The political controversy surrounding the creation of new provinces in Pakistan has led to a heated debate among members on the floor of the Sindh Assembly, according to the latest reports from Tuesday's session.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Sharmila Faruqui has publicly detailed the party's reasons for opposing any potential division of Sindh province. In a statement on Tuesday, September 8, she reiterated the PPP's firm stance against the creation of new provinces, specifically highlighting why the division of Sindh is considered unacceptable by her party.

The debate over creating new administrative units has intensified after the Sindh Assembly passed a resolution rejecting the proposal. The move is seen as a significant counter to the federal government's push, as Article 239(4) of the Constitution requires a provincial assembly to approve any changes to its boundaries with a two-thirds majority.

The resolution follows a period of heightened political rhetoric, which was reportedly not cooled by a recent meeting in London between the President and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Upon his return, the minister reiterated his stance on the necessity of new administrative units.

Available reports trace the current debate back to the Pakistan Economic Summit in late July, where the interior minister described the present governance system as having "collapsed" and called for urgent reforms.