PTI Chairman Warns Against Hasty Decisions on New Provinces

In a recent statement, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan expressed his concerns regarding the potential creation of new provinces in Pakistan, cautioning that any rushed decisions could jeopardize the integrity of the federation.

During a press conference in Islamabad on Monday, Gohar emphasized the importance of consensus among the residents and their representatives before any division of the existing provinces. He echoed the need for a formal commission to deliberate on the matter, advocating for a collaborative approach similar to the political agreement reached during the 18th Amendment in 2010.

“Decisions should be made after building consensus,” he remarked, stressing that hasty actions would undermine the federation's unity. He further argued that creating provinces without public agreement could complicate governance rather than improve it.

Call for Political Consensus

Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas also weighed in on the debate, questioning the absence of parliamentary discussions regarding the proposal for new provinces. He pointed out that neither the federal cabinet nor the provincial assemblies had addressed the issue, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the proposal.

Abbas urged the government to unite all political parties to take a collective stance against what he termed a “dangerous move.” He stressed that the focus should remain on strengthening local governments and conducting free and fair elections rather than pushing for new provinces.

Controversy Surrounding New Administrative Units

The dialogue on creating new provinces intensified following Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's remarks in late July, which called for reforms to the governance system through the establishment of new administrative units. His proposal was met with mixed reactions from various political factions, including demands from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) for Karachi to become a separate province.

Conversely, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has firmly opposed this notion, insisting that any alterations must be pursued within a constitutional framework and reflect the will of the people. The ongoing debate has sparked a serious discussion among government officials about the future of provincial boundaries, as it could lead to significant constitutional amendments.

Source: www.dawn.com