In a recent statement, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized the unavoidable nature of power devolution in Pakistan, while taking aim at the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for its inconsistent position regarding the creation of new provinces.
Controversy Over New Provinces
Asif pointed out the PPP’s fluctuating stance, noting that the party appears supportive of a Saraiki province in Punjab but starts discussing ‘Sindhudesh’ when the conversation shifts to creating multiple provinces or administrative units. He expressed these views on the social media platform X late on Friday.
The situation escalated on Friday when the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) was blocked from proposing a resolution against the ‘Sindhudesh movement’. The PPP accused MQM-P of attempting to deceive the public by bringing this resolution.
Asif suggested that there might be underlying motives behind the PPP’s “dual policy” and indicated his intention to explore this further in the future.
Call for Constitutional Integrity
Highlighting the importance of national unity, Asif asserted that the devolution of power was a constitutional decision established by the 18th Amendment, which has yet to be fully honored. He argued that the current centralized power structure is outdated and requires reform.
“Provinces or administrative units, whatever label you want to apply,” Asif remarked, “The devolution of power is inevitable.” He suggested utilizing the existing 36 divisions or devising a new administrative-geographical framework.
This comes as the PPP, a significant ally in the ruling coalition, challenges Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s silence on the provincial debate and demands clarification of his position.
Debate and Political Dynamics
The PPP has previously stated that any initiative to create new federating units must adhere to constitutional procedures. Despite this, the PPP-led Sindh government recently passed a resolution against further dividing the country’s existing four provinces.
There has been ongoing discussion for months about forming new provinces, although no official proposals have been confirmed. Media reports suggest varying numbers of proposed provinces, ranging from eight to thirty.
PPP Parliamentarians Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bokhari has called for the prime minister to clarify his stance. Bokhari insists that any serious proposal should first be discussed within the federal cabinet before engaging all political stakeholders.
Constitutional and Political Challenges
Bokhari emphasized that any move towards new federating units requires constitutional amendments, needing a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and Senate. The PML-N-led government currently holds such a majority with PPP support, but losing this backing would halt any progress.
Regarding local government systems, Bokhari noted the necessity of constitutional compliance, specifically Article 140-A, which mandates provincial establishment of local governments.
Meanwhile, PML-N’s Rana Sanaullah confirmed that no formal steps have been taken towards creating new provinces. He reiterated the need for broad political consensus before any legislative action can proceed.
