Pakistan’s parliament may discuss new provinces in October — Dawn
Pakistan’s parliament is expected to discuss the creation of new provinces or administrative units in October. This was stated by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Dawn reports.
Discussion in both chambers
According to Chaudhry, there will be no sessions of the National Assembly this month, but sessions of both the lower house of parliament and the Senate are expected in October. He stressed that parliament is the appropriate forum for such a discussion, which should begin after the sessions are convened.
The minister noted that all four provinces of the country are represented in the National Assembly, while each of them has equal representation in the Senate. According to him, decisions on this issue should be made after consultations with all political parties. Chaudhry also urged parties not to take an emotional stance on the possible creation of new provinces or federal units.
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Islamabad governance model
Chaudhry expressed hope that a legislative initiative on a new governance model for Islamabad would be presented before decisions are made on new provinces or administrative units. He stressed that the federal status of the capital will be preserved and that it will not become a separate province.
At the same time, according to the minister, Islamabad plans to establish its first legislative assembly. The proposed changes envisage a legislative body, as well as oversight by a chief executive officer or mayor over all relevant institutions. The document was prepared by a five-member committee appointed by the prime minister.
Initial reaction
In July, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called on political forces to engage in dialogue on reforming the governance system, stating the need to create new provinces and introduce urgent administrative changes. His proposal sparked discussion: the Pakistan Peoples Party referred the issue to its governing body, the chief minister of Sindh rejected the idea, and lawyers in Lahore called it unconstitutional. Sindhi nationalist groups demanded the minister’s resignation.
