Sardar Yousaf renews call for creation of Hazara province

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has reiterated his demand for the creation of a separate

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has reiterated his demand for the creation of a separate Hazara province, saying there is broad political consensus on the issue and that administrative reforms are essential to improve governance and public service delivery.

Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad alongside Senator Talha Mahmood, the minister said the movement for Hazara province began in 2010 and has remained a longstanding demand of the region’s people.

He said seven young people sacrificed their lives during the movement, adding that their contributions would always be remembered. According to the minister, people from different political parties have consistently supported the establishment of Hazara as a separate province.

Sardar Yousaf noted that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has passed constitutional resolutions in support of Hazara province on three occasions—in 2014, 2018, and 2020. He added that bills seeking the creation of the new province have also been introduced in both the National Assembly and the Senate and have been referred to the relevant standing committees on law and justice.

The minister said the creation of new administrative units has become a necessity in view of Pakistan’s growing population, which now exceeds 250 million. He argued that additional provinces would improve governance, revenue collection, and the implementation of development projects.

He stressed that the demand for Hazara province is not linked to any single political party but represents a united movement supported by people from all walks of life, including political leaders, lawyers, journalists, students, traders, and religious scholars.

Sardar Yousaf said several national political leaders have publicly expressed support for the Hazara province during visits to the region and public gatherings. He maintained that smaller administrative units would bring government services closer to the people, help address public issues more effectively, and strengthen the federation.

He also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the Hazara province movement, noting that Hazara Martyrs’ Day is observed every year on April 12 in their memory.