Islamabad to get assembly, not province status, minister clarifies

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry confirmed on Thursday that the debate on creating new provinces is expected in the October sessions of both the National Assembly and Senate. While reiterating that parliament is the 'proper forum' for the discussion, Chaudhry clarified the government's plan for the federal capital. He stated that Islamabad would not become a separate province. Instead, a new governance model is being proposed that includes establishing Islamabad's first legislative assembly while maintaining its federal status. The minister added that a draft for this new model has been prepared by a five-member committee appointed by the prime minister.

The national debate on the creation of new provinces has intensified with further proposals and shifting political stances. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has now also put forward a proposal on the matter. Specifically for the federal capital, a plan for a 27-member Islamabad assembly is reportedly under consideration. Meanwhile, reports suggest the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has changed its position regarding the formation of new administrative units. Additionally, student groups have voiced their support for the creation of new provinces.

The federal government has confirmed that the debate on creating new provinces will be held in Parliament. The discussion is expected to be formally tabled in the National Assembly and the Senate in October.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has also weighed in on the matter, addressing the possibility of a division of Sindh province.

Separately, reports suggest specific proposals for an Islamabad province are being discussed, with PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah mentioning a formula that includes a 28-square-kilometre territory and 21 Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs).

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider has entered the ongoing debate on administrative restructuring, proposing that South Punjab and Bahawalpur be established as provinces on a trial basis. The governor suggested this approach as a first step in the broader discussion about creating new provinces in the country.

The federal government has announced that the issue of creating new administrative provinces will be formally debated in the National Assembly and the Senate in October. The development follows a statement from PML-N leader Tariq Fazal Chaudhry that there would be no parliamentary sessions on the matter in September.

Politician Muhammad Ali Durrani has added his voice to the ongoing national debate on administrative reform, publicly stating that Pakistan needs new provinces.

The ongoing political debate surrounding the creation of new administrative provinces has expanded, with new reports suggesting the possibility of Islamabad being established as a separate province. The discussion now includes the federal capital's potential change in status, adding another dimension to the national conversation.

The ongoing national debate on the creation of new administrative provinces has drawn comment from another prominent legal and political figure, with reports indicating Salman Akram Raja has released a statement on the matter.

The national conversation on creating new administrative provinces has broadened with additional political figures weighing in and new support emerging from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. MQM-P’s Farooq Sattar has reportedly taken a “clear stand” on the issue, adding another voice from the key coalition partner. Concurrently, reports indicate that youth in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have voiced their backing for the creation of new provinces.

The debate surrounding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) position has also become more prominent. Questions have been raised about the party's stance, with Barrister Aqeel Malik commenting on the matter. Additionally, PTI’s Shahid Khattak has responded to queries about how the party would act on the issue if prompted by the establishment, referred to as “Rawalpindi.”

The debate over new administrative provinces saw a fresh statement from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), a key proponent of the move.

In remarks reported on Thursday, September 10, MQM-P leader Ali Khursheedi criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) governance, linking what he described as poor administrative performance over 18 years to the growing calls for new provinces, particularly in Sindh.

The debate over creating new provinces has advanced, with reports indicating that legal teams have been tasked with building consensus on the matter. The work includes exploring the possibility of a joint session of parliament and a potential referendum to decide the issue.

In a potential shift, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has reportedly softened his stance on the creation of new administrative provinces, according to media reports on Thursday. This marks a possible change from the party's previous firm opposition to the proposal.

The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has weighed in on the ongoing debate over the creation of new administrative provinces. On Wednesday, PTI Interim Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan cautioned against making any decisions in haste or without a broad consensus, warning that such a move could harm the federation.

Speaking to the media in Peshawar, he stated, "Good governance is needed in every province. But the creation of new provinces is not the only solution to improve governance, there are other ways, too." He argued that imposing such decisions through parliament during a time of turmoil would add to the public's problems rather than resolving them.

Barrister Gohar also called for a "Peace of Pakistan" treaty to protect citizens' rights and ensure political stability, reiterating his party's call for fresh elections.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has reportedly sent a "clear message" to its coalition partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), regarding the contentious proposal to create new administrative provinces.

The development, reported on September 9, signals a direct communication between the two major parties amid ongoing friction within the ruling alliance over the issue.

The political debate surrounding the creation of new provinces has evolved, with discussions now reportedly including the distinction between creating full new provinces and smaller "administrative units."

The political debate over the creation of new provinces has intensified with new details emerging about the positions of the ruling coalition partners. PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz has reportedly sent a strong message rejecting a proposal to divide Punjab into seven parts.

Meanwhile, senior PPP leader Nisar Khuhro has elaborated on his party's opposition, stating that Sindh does not require new provinces because of its existing local government system. Adding to the internal dissent within the PML-N, Muhammad Zubair has reportedly raised concerns about the potential impact of new provinces on the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. PPP's Sharmila Faruqui also questioned the proposal of holding a referendum on the matter.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has further solidified its opposition to the creation of new provinces, with senior leader Nisar Khuhro stating that new administrative units "cannot be created under any circumstances." According to reports on September 9, PPP's Naz Baloch also hinted at the party's next moves to counter the proposal.

Meanwhile, the debate has expanded geographically, with reports indicating that residents in Chitral are now raising their voices in favour of a new province for their region.

Adding to the political discourse within the ruling coalition, PML-N's Muhammad Zubair has reportedly questioned the government's mandate to pursue such a significant constitutional change.

The debate over creating new provinces has evolved, with key political figures now publicly debating the legality and appropriateness of holding a referendum on the matter. PPP Senator Palwasha Khan on September 9 questioned whether a referendum could override the established constitutional procedure for creating new provinces, noting that referendums have a "bad reputation" in Pakistan.

In response, Minister of State for Law Barrister Aqeel Malik suggested that if the legitimacy of the assemblies is questioned, then public opinion should be sought through a referendum. He also accused the PTI of hypocrisy, stating they supported new provinces while in power but now raise objections.

Senator Khan reiterated that the debate should be held in Parliament, stating that discussions were happening everywhere except the proper forum.

The ongoing political debate in Pakistan over the creation of new administrative provinces has taken a new turn, with discussions now including the possibility of holding a referendum to decide the matter. This has raised constitutional and legal questions about the process.

Meanwhile, reports suggest the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) may condition its support on the release of its founder, Imran Khan. The debate continues to highlight divisions, with some proposals focusing on creating new provinces in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while explicitly excluding Sindh.

The political debate over creating new administrative provinces in Pakistan intensified on September 9, with new political alignments and criticisms emerging.

Reports suggest the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which opposes the proposal, has made a significant outreach to the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to form a common front on the issue. This development came as Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, a PPP leader, issued a strong statement opposing any division of Sindh province.

Meanwhile, Hafiz Naeem of Jamaat-e-Islami criticised the PPP's stance, accusing the party of engaging in "ethnic politics" over the administrative issue.

In a potential step towards resolution, reports also indicated that the ruling coalition partners, PML-N and PPP, have agreed to hold a debate on the matter in Parliament. The discussion has also expanded to include the possibility of making Islamabad its own province.

The political debate surrounding the creation of new administrative units in Pakistan has intensified, with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) now calling for a national dialogue on the matter. The party is a key ally in the PML-N-led government.

In another development, reports suggest the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which has been vocally opposing the proposal, may be exploring an alignment with the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on the issue. This signals a potential shift in political maneuvering around the contentious subject.

Speaking in London, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has reiterated his stance on the debate over new provinces, stating that the focus should be on Pakistan's systemic problems rather than creating new administrative units.

"The real focus should be on the problems of the system, their causes, and the potential risk of the system failing," he told the media. He repeated his challenge to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, or any other government representative, to debate the issue in Parliament.

The PPP chairman also dismissed the impression that his party was not in contact with opposition parties, noting that discussions with the PML-N were ongoing regarding reservations about the Azad Kashmir election.

Speaking to the media in London, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari reiterated that the debate on creating new provinces should take place in Parliament.

He challenged Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to attend the National Assembly for the discussion, stating, "Instead of [speaking at] business forums, Mohsin Naqvi should visit Parliament."

The comments were made while Mr. Bhutto-Zardari is in London with his father, President Asif Ali Zardari. The PPP chairman affirmed his readiness to debate the issue with any federal minister, stressing that "the real issues resulting in the system’s collapse and their solutions should be discussed in Parliament by the people’s elected representatives."

Reports also confirmed that President Zardari held a meeting with Mr. Naqvi in London during the visit.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, speaking to the media in London, has called for a debate in the National Assembly regarding Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's recent comments on “system failure.”

He reiterated that creating new provinces is not the solution to the country's issues like inflation, unemployment, and poverty, asserting that the answer lies in democracy and public empowerment. “The fate of the country cannot be decided by a few businessmen,” he stated, adding that he is prepared to debate any federal minister in parliament on the matter.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has commented on Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s statements regarding the creation of new provinces, issuing a clarification on his party's position.

The ongoing political discussion surrounding the creation of new provinces has seen further developments, with new arguments being presented in its favour. Malik Sharjeel Awan has reportedly linked the proposal to improved governance, suggesting that an incident at the PIMS hospital could have been avoided if new administrative units were in place.

Separately, discussions are also said to be underway regarding a proposal for eight new provinces, a different figure from the 33 provinces previously suggested by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

Further details have emerged in the ongoing debate over new administrative units, with Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Faisal Sabzwari reportedly revealing a proposal for the creation of up to 33 new provinces in Pakistan. According to reports from September 8, this plan would also involve granting separate provincial status to Karachi and Islamabad.

The political debate over the creation of new administrative units in Pakistan has continued to evolve, with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) reportedly standing firm in its opposition to the proposal. In contrast, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has largely remained silent on the matter, according to recent reports on September 8.

Discussions have also become more specific, with proposals such as the creation of a Bahawalpur province entering the discourse. Additionally, political analysis suggests that a potential 28th Constitutional Amendment is being considered as the legislative mechanism to establish new provinces or administrative units.

While official positions from all parties are still developing, some political commentary has indicated that the Prime Minister may be supportive of the initiative.

The political debate surrounding the creation of new administrative units in Pakistan has intensified, drawing in multiple political parties. Reports on September 8 indicate that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has voiced opposition to the proposal. The discussion has also highlighted a rift between the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), particularly concerning the potential division of Sindh province. Amid the growing political discourse, the idea of holding a referendum on the matter has also been raised.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Qamar Zaman Kaira has continued his vocal criticism of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's proposals regarding the creation of new provinces. In a recent development on September 8, Kaira reportedly used poetry to express his opposition to Naqvi's stance on the matter, highlighting the political contention surrounding the issue.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Qamar Zaman Kaira has strongly criticised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's push for new provinces, stating his views on the matter during a television appearance.

Reacting to the ongoing debate, Kaira expressed opposition to Naqvi's approach to the creation of new administrative units.