Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah stated on Sunday that all political parties and stakeholders will be free to express their views if the creation of new provinces comes before Parliament, noting that the legislative process could take six to eight months. Speaking to senior journalists in Lahore, Sanaullah clarified that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) did not initiate any project to divide provinces, though party positions and local leadership stances continue to shape the ongoing debate.
Parliamentary Process and Timeline for New Provinces
According to Rana Sanaullah, addressing the provincial debate will take time, estimating that the formal legislative process could require six to eight months if the proposal is officially tabled. He noted that if the matter reaches Parliament, lawmakers will have the opportunity to share their opinions, and a parliamentary or standing committee could be formed to examine the proposal. Such discussions could also open up broader debates regarding the creation of new administrative units or prompt fresh talks on local government elections, as reported during his meeting in Lahore.
Sanaullah emphasized that while proponents of new administrative units may have approached the PML-N, the party itself did not introduce the project. He remarked that the party’s stance remains straightforward because it did not start the discussion, adding that local party leadership in Punjab strongly opposes merging Bahawalpur with South Punjab. Instead, local proposals suggest either making Bahawalpur a separate province or keeping it aligned with Lahore.
Did You Know? Rana Sanaullah stated that proposals regarding Bahawalpur include either establishing it as a separate province or keeping it connected to Lahore, while noting that no major statement has emerged from the PML-N favoring the division of provinces.
Internal Party Stance and Public Reaction
The debate over administrative restructuring has drawn internal scrutiny as well. A day prior to Sanaullah’s remarks, senior PML-N leader Mian Javed Latif criticized the party’s handling of the issue during a consultative meeting. Latif argued that sensitive administrative matters cannot be addressed casually or dreamed up overnight, questioning whether leaders with little connection to ground realities should be driving the conversation. He also raised concerns about internal party discipline, asking when members would be given the freedom to speak openly rather than being bound by political expediency.
Meanwhile, Sanaullah asserted that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has gained political benefit from pushing the provincial issue. He also referenced past infrastructure discussions, noting that President Asif Ali Zardari had supported a canal project before it was halted due to public protests.
Back-Channel Talks and Security Concerns Regarding PTI
Shifting to national security and political opposition, Sanaullah addressed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that back-channel talks with PTI founder Imran Khan could occur, but warned that such a course would come with a price that must be paid. He alleged that PTI workers intended to march on Islamabad fully armed and asserted that their planned protest would fail.
Furthermore, Sanaullah alleged that militants designated as Fitna al-Khawarij, whom he claimed are sponsored by India, could target a PTI rally to widen the gulf between the public and the government. Addressing cabinet dynamics, he stated that Federal Minister Sheikh Qaiser meets Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif every other day in his presence, adding that he did not understand Sheikh Qaiser’s claims regarding meeting the prime minister.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the PML-N initiate the proposal to create new provinces?
No. According to Rana Sanaullah, the PML-N did not initiate any project to divide provinces, though proponents of the plan have held discussions with the party.
How long could the parliamentary process take if the proposal is tabled?
Rana Sanaullah stated that the process of creating new provinces could take six to eight months if the matter is brought before Parliament.
What is the local PML-N leadership’s stance on Bahawalpur?
According to Sanaullah, the PML-N leadership in Punjab does not want to merge Bahawalpur with South Punjab, with existing proposals favoring either a separate province for Bahawalpur or keeping it with Lahore.
What are your thoughts on the timeline and parliamentary procedures proposed for reviewing new administrative units? Drop a comment below.
Keep reading