Opposition demands referendum on creation of new provinces
At a glance
- Opposition parties continue to voice dissent against plans for new provinces.
- Barrister Saif has now demanded a referendum on the matter.
- PTI and JUI-F have previously called for national consensus and questioned the move.
Story so far
Opposition parties, including the PTI and JUI-F, have voiced strong objections to what they term a "hasty" plan to create new provinces. Key figures have called for a national consensus, similar to the 18th Amendment, and questioned the benefits without systemic reforms. The PTI has also alleged a constitutional amendment is being planned to bypass provincial assembly approval.
Latest development
Adding to the opposition's stance, Barrister Saif has now demanded that a referendum be held on the issue of creating new provinces.
Latest updates
In a new development, Barrister Saif has demanded that a referendum be held on the issue of creating new provinces.
The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) has now voiced its reservations regarding the creation of new provinces, questioning what benefits the move would bring without fundamental changes to the country's legal and administrative systems. This adds another dimension to the ongoing political debate, which has also seen reports questioning if the PTI's firm opposition might be subject to change.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has reiterated his party's concerns over the debate on creating new provinces, questioning whether the focus should instead be on strengthening the federation. In a recent statement on September 8, he raised what were described as serious constitutional concerns regarding the proposals.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stated on Monday that the PTI would not support any move to create new provinces without the explicit approval of party founder Imran Khan. Addressing a ceremony in Karachi, he said his party stood with the people of Sindh on the issue.
Separately, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja claimed that a 28th Constitutional Amendment was being planned to alter the requirement of a two-thirds majority in a provincial assembly for the creation of new provinces. “We opposed the 26th and 27th amendments and will oppose the 28th Amendment as well,” he said.
In his remarks, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also urged the government to avoid what he described as further “experimental trials” and controversial legislation.
Separately, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas noted that the PML-N’s own party policy was silent on the creation of new provinces.
Sources and updates
PTI warns against ‘hasty decisions’ on provinces
• KP CM backs Sindh’s stance, says will not support new units without Imran’s nod • Gohar says decision without consensus to weaken federation • Senate opposition leader suggests collective stand against move KARACHI: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Ministe
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PTI's Gohar says any 'hasty decision' on new provinces would weaken federation
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