The IPP has once again highlighted the issue of establishment of new provinces and administrative units in the country. Party President Abdul Aleem Khan has said that in view of the increasing population and administrative problems, new provinces are needed.
During a meeting with party leaders, Abdul Aleem Khan supported formulating a formal strategy for new provinces at the party level. He said that the administrative structure needs to be made more effective to solve the problems of the people at the local level.
Abdul Aleem Khan said that national interest should be given priority over political and personal interests. According to him, the creation of new provinces and administrative units can help in bringing government services closer to the people.
The IPP president also announced his support for forming Hazara and Bahawalpur as separate provinces. He also stressed the need for the establishment of Seraiki province, Multan and other administrative units.
Abdul Aleem Khan, while indicating continued political support on this issue, said that the IPP will support the political party that will take practical steps for the establishment of new provinces. The party has also decided to take further steps at its level for this purpose.
This demand is not new in Pakistan. Demands for separate provinces or new administrative units have been present in various areas including Hazara, South Punjab and Bahawalpur for many years. However, along with political consensus, constitutional and parliamentary stages will have to be completed to form new provinces.
Abdul Aleem Khan had also supported the new provinces this month, citing population growth as an important reason for this need. He also suggested dividing the four provinces into more administrative units.
The main question in the political debate on the issue of new provinces is to what extent the new administrative division will provide better facilities to the people, faster governance and fair distribution of resources. Therefore, political consensus and a clear administrative plan will be important for any final decision.
