PPP Challenges PM on Silence Over New Provinces Debate

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has raised concerns over Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's lack of comments regarding the ongoing discussions about the establishment of new provinces. This query comes amid a backdrop of political maneuvering and debate over how to proceed with potential changes to the country's provincial structure.

Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, Secretary General of the PPP Parliamentarians, emphasized the importance of the Prime Minister's position on this contentious issue. He pointed out that the PPP believes any creation of new federating units must adhere strictly to constitutional procedures. This includes obtaining consent from existing provincial governments, a stance underscored by the PPP-led Sindh government’s recent resolution against the further division of the country’s provinces.

In response to these developments, Rana Sanaullah, a leader from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, stated that there are currently no active discussions or preparations for new provinces. He reiterated that any potential legislation would require broad consensus among political parties, reinforcing the need for collaborative decision-making. Bokhari has argued that with multiple voices from the ruling party appearing to support the initiative, the Prime Minister's silence is particularly concerning given the gravity of the subject.

Source: www.dawn.com