The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), led by Secretary General Nayyar Bokhari, will deliberate on the creation of new administrative units as per Article 245(1)(a) and (b) of the Constitution. This decision is expected to be taken after a thorough discussion in the CEC meeting scheduled for later this month.
According to Bokhari, the PPP’s Central Executive Committee has been considering the matter since its inception and has proposed creating new administrative units through the mechanism provided in the Constitution rather than by executive order. He emphasized that without a two-thirds majority in the relevant provincial assembly, neither the creation of new provinces nor any alteration in provincial boundaries is possible.
The CEC member pointed out that “new provinces cannot be created through an executive order. They can only be created through a constitutional decision of Parliament.” This stance reflects the PPP’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and democratic principles.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi echoed similar demands by multiple political parties, including those advocating for more administrative units in Sindh. He stated that “if there is genuine seriousness about establishing new provinces, including South Punjab, the matter should be brought before Parliament and the constitutional requirements should be fulfilled.”
The PPP secretary general also recalled that a resolution for the creation of a South Punjab province was pending in the Punjab Assembly. Bokhari called upon Defence Minister Khawaja Asif to initiate the process of creating more administrative units from his own province, Sindh.
Bokhari emphasized that federal ministers should raise the matter of creating new administrative units in the federal cabinet and obtain its approval before consulting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on this “important national issue.” He stated that every decision will be taken with due regard to the Constitution, democracy, and the will of the people.
The PPP’s CEC has also deliberated on the matter and decided to hold a meeting in Islamabad next week to discuss further. The party leader emphasized that the creation of new administrative units is crucial for improving governance and addressing regional disparities.
In contrast, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) — an ally of the PML-N-led ruling coalition — has repeatedly demanded that Karachi be designated a province separate from Sindh. However, the PPP strongly opposed this move, citing Article 245(1)(b) and (c) of the Constitution.
The PPP’s stance on administrative units is also reflected in its advocacy for creating smaller provinces to address regional disparities. President of the Istehkam Pakistan Party (IPP), Federal Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, had urged political parties to accept the need for smaller provinces as a sustainable solution to improve governance and addressing people living in far-flung areas.
In response to Interior Minister Naqvi’s statement that only one solution is needed to address problems in the country, Bokhari emphasized that “the system we are living under has collapsed. Problems cannot be solved through it.” He noted that structural change is necessary for breaking the cycle of inefficiency and addressing regional disparities.
The PPP leader also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts as an asset for the entire nation, with Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir playing a key role in these successes. Bokhari emphasized that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Interior Minister have also fulfilled their respective responsibilities.
In conclusion, the PPP’s Central Executive Committee will deliberate on creating new administrative units as per Article 245(1)(a) and (b) of the Constitution. The party leader emphasized that every decision should be taken with due regard to the Constitution, democracy, and the will of the people.
Based on reporting from Dawn.
