PPP seeks Shehbaz Sharif’s position on proposed new provinces

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has asked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to clearly state his position on the ongoing debate over the creation of new provinces, saying the matter is too important for the prime minister to remain silent.

PPP Parliamentarians Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bokhari said the party wanted to know whether the government was seriously considering increasing the number of provinces, particularly as some federal ministers and ruling-party figures had publicly supported the idea.

The debate over the creation of new federating units has intensified in recent months. However, the federal government has not announced any formal proposal outlining the number, boundaries or structure of possible new provinces.

Different figures have emerged in political and media discussions, with suggestions ranging from eight provinces to as many as 30. No official plan has so far been presented before parliament.

Bokhari said the issue had created uncertainty among the existing provinces and required a clear policy position from the federal government.

He said that if the government intended to pursue the creation of new provinces, the matter should first be discussed at the federal cabinet level. The prime minister should then consult political parties, provincial governments and other stakeholders before taking the issue forward.

The PPP leader stressed that any attempt to create new federating units would have to comply with the Constitution. He said the consent of the concerned province would be necessary for any territorial changes.

Such a move would also require a constitutional amendment. The amendment would have to secure a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate.

The PPP’s position is particularly significant because it is a key coalition partner of the PML-N-led federal government. The ruling coalition relies on PPP support for its parliamentary strength, making consensus between the two parties crucial if any constitutional changes relating to provinces are to be pursued.

The PPP-led Sindh government has already taken a firm position on the issue. The Sindh Assembly recently passed a resolution opposing any further division of the country’s existing four provinces.

Bokhari also pointed to the constitutional requirement concerning local governments. He said any changes to the local government system would also have to be made within the framework of the Constitution, including Article 140-A, which deals with the establishment of local governments by provincial governments.

Meanwhile, PML-N leader and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has played down speculation about an imminent move to create new provinces.

Sanaullah said no bill or resolution concerning the creation of new provinces had been presented before parliament. He also said that no preparations were currently under way for such legislation.

According to Sanaullah, any proposal would require extensive consultations and political consensus before it could be placed before parliament.

He further said there was currently no discussion regarding the division of the existing provinces.

The contrasting statements highlight the growing political debate over Pakistan’s administrative structure. While some members of the ruling alliance have spoken in favour of creating additional provinces, the PPP has demanded clarity from the prime minister and stressed that no such move can proceed without constitutional and political consensus