Khawaja Asif Calls for Inevitable Devolution Amidst PPP's Contradictory Stance

In a bold declaration, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has asserted that the devolution of power in Pakistan is unavoidable, while criticizing the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for its inconsistent views on the establishment of new provinces. His comments came during a social media post late Saturday night, as the political landscape grows increasingly complex.

Asif pointed out that the PPP appears supportive of creating a Saraiki province when it suits them, yet adopts a different tone regarding the broader discussion of multiple provinces, even alluding to ‘Sindhudesh’ during such debates. This inconsistency, he claims, underlines a deeper issue with the PPP’s policy.

Debate Over New Provinces

The topic of new federating units has sparked considerable discussion in recent months, with proposals ranging from eight to thirty provinces being floated without any formal endorsement. Asif emphasized that the 18th Amendment’s principle of devolution must be respected, noting that a concentration of power has rendered the current system ineffective.

PPP’s Response and Political Dynamics

The PPP, a crucial partner in the ruling coalition with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has been vocal about its stance, demanding that any plans for new provinces adhere strictly to constitutional procedures. Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bokhari urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to clarify his position on this contentious issue, stressing that consensus among provinces is necessary for any changes to the current structure.

Asif's remarks coincide with a recent resolution passed by the Sindh provincial assembly opposing any division of existing provinces, further complicating the dialogue. Meanwhile, PML-N's Rana Sanaullah has confirmed that there are no current plans to introduce new provinces, highlighting the need for political agreement before advancing such proposals.

Source: www.dawn.com