PPP seeks PM Shehbaz’s stance on new provinces debate
The Pakistan Peoples Party, an important ally of the PML-N-led coalition government, has sought clarification from the prime minister as discussion over creating new provinces continues.
PPP Parliamentarians Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bokhari said the party wanted to know the government’s position, especially as some federal ministers and ruling party leaders have appeared to support the idea.
The issue has gained attention in political circles during the past few months. However, there is still no officially announced plan explaining how many new provinces could be created or what their boundaries might look like.
PPP seeks constitutional process
The PPP has previously said that any move to create additional federating units must follow the procedure provided in the Constitution.
The party’s position comes as the Sindh government recently opposed any further division of Pakistan’s existing four provinces.
The Sindh Assembly passed a resolution against dividing the province, while opposition lawmakers boycotted the proceedings.
The development has added another layer to the growing political discussion about whether Pakistan should have more provinces.
Speaking to Dawn, Bokhari questioned why the prime minister had not publicly explained his position on the matter.
“We want to know what the stance of the prime minister on new provinces is, as no statement is coming from him, whereas several federal cabinet members are apparently supporting the plan,” he said.
No new provinces plan, says Rana Sanaullah
Meanwhile, PML-N leader and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has rejected the impression that preparations are currently under way.
Sanaullah said there was no bill, resolution or formal preparation at present for creating new provinces.
His statement comes amid reports and political discussions suggesting that different proposals are being considered within government circles.
The issue was also raised in parliament last month when PPP lawmaker Agha Rafiullah asked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to appear before the National Assembly and give a policy statement.
The demand reflected growing interest among lawmakers in knowing whether the government supports changes to Pakistan’s existing provincial structure.
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Sindh resolution adds to political pressure
The Sindh government’s recent resolution has further highlighted the sensitivity surrounding the issue.
The PPP-led provincial government has opposed any division of the existing provinces, making its position clear through the Sindh Assembly.
The development is significant because the PPP is also a major partner in the federal coalition led by the PML-N.
This means the debate over new provinces could require careful political discussion within the coalition if a formal proposal is brought forward.
For now, however, the government maintains that no such plan is under preparation.
