The debate over new provinces, which began with a statement by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on July 30, has now moved considerably forward. After remaining silent for a few days, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has now adopted a clear position on the issue. The matter triggered fiery speeches in the Sindh Assembly, with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah particularly vocal in his opposition. President Asif Ali Zardari’s sister, Faryal Talpur, along with other members of the assembly, also expressed their views. The bottom line of these speeches was clear: the PPP would not accept the division of Sindh under any circumstances.

Amid this heated exchange, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued another statement. He clarified that a “reset” did not mean dismantling the system; rather, it meant correcting what was wrong with it. He went so far as to declare that even if he lost his job, new provinces and administrative units would still be created. PPP leader Saeed Ghani responded that, in that case, it would be Mohsin Naqvi who would lose his job. President Asif Ali Zardari later travelled to London, where he met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. According to reports attributed to sources, Mr Zardari conveyed his opposition to any division of Sindh while remaining open to the question of Punjab.

If the purpose is to weaken political opponents, strengthen particular families, reward favourites, or satisfy political ambitions, there is little justification for creating new provinces.

If the purpose is to weaken political opponents, strengthen particular families, reward favourites, or satisfy political ambitions, there is little justification for creating new provinces.

On the other hand, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) initially remained publicly silent in this entire episode. No clear position emerged from the party at the outset. There was considerable discussion in journalistic circles that the PML-N preferred to........

© Daily Times