Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan cautioned against making any hasty decisions regarding the creation of new provinces, warning that such moves would weaken the federation. Speaking to reporters in Islamabad on Monday, Gohar stressed that dividing any of the four provinces against the will of their residents and representatives could harm national unity, while 24NewsHD reported similar warnings regarding potential divisions in Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan.
PTI Demands Broad Consensus Before Administrative Changes
According to Barrister Gohar, any structural changes must follow a formal, consensus-driven process rather than rushed legislation. “Let a consensus be formed first; a commission should be set up on it, and deliberations should be held,” Gohar told reporters in Islamabad, adding that incoming public representatives in a future parliament should review the matter. He pointed to the large-scale political agreement reached during the 18th Amendment in 2010 as a benchmark for political consensus. “Any decision, if taken, should be made after that. Making any hasty decision, in our opinion, will be against the federation’s unity,” he stated. The PTI leader contended that creating provinces based on reasons unacceptable to the public would create further complications instead of resolving governance issues, urging leaders to avoid experimental trials and controversial legislation.
https://x.com/TTAP_OFFICIAL/status/2096949385883947072
The debate around new administrative units ignited in late July when Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called for new provinces as part of broader governance reforms. Naqvi reiterated his proposal on Saturday, stating that Pakistan’s growing population and changing needs can no longer be effectively managed through the existing administrative structure. A top government functionary indicated that serious discussions were underway in power corridors last month regarding the most feasible approach, which a government source believed could be a precursor to a proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment.
Did You Know? The recent debate over administrative boundaries gained fresh momentum in late July after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi proposed new provinces as part of a governance reform package, prompting divergent reactions from political parties and legal bodies across the country.
Opposition Lawmakers Question Lack of Parliamentary Debate
Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas questioned the complete lack of parliamentary discussion surrounding the proposed administrative changes. Speaking to journalists in Islamabad alongside the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) opposition alliance, Abbas noted that neither the federal cabinet, the National Assembly, the Senate, nor the provinces had formally discussed the matter. “Why is this matter being raised when no discussion has been held? From whom is this proposal?” Abbas asked. He contended that the PML-N party policy remained silent on the issue and suggested the government gather all parties for a collective stance.
The TTAP leader questioned whether any current provincial assemblies had passed formal resolutions demanding new provinces according to constitutional procedures. He maintained that the opposition’s primary focus centers on strengthening local governments and holding free and fair elections. Meanwhile, political friction persists among ruling and opposition factions, as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) advocates for a separate province for Karachi out of Sindh, a proposal strongly opposed by the ruling Sindh party Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official stance of the PTI on creating new provinces?
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan stated that any decision regarding new provinces must follow broad political consensus, a formal commission, and review by public representatives, warning that hasty moves would weaken the federation.
Who originally proposed the creation of new administrative units?
According to government sources, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called for new provinces in late July as part of reforms to address the country’s growing population and changing needs.
What are the main concerns raised by the opposition alliance?
Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas questioned the total absence of discussion within the National Assembly, Senate, federal cabinet, or provincial assemblies regarding the new province proposals.