Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) President Abdul Aleem Khan on Saturday endorsed the creation of new provinces nationwide, emphasizing that public demand for administrative restructuring was growing. He affirmed that his party would consistently advocate for new provinces in all relevant forums.
Aleem Khan, who also serves as the federal minister for communications, highlighted that calls for a separate Hazara province have been gaining momentum in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly since 2010, with significant political parties in KP supporting the initiative. He declared the IPP’s firm backing for the establishment of the Hazara province.
Moreover, Aleem Khan expressed support for the formation of South Punjab and Bahawalpur as distinct provinces, noting that similar demands are emerging in Punjab and Sindh. He proposed dividing each of the four existing provinces into four administrative units, arguing that current conditions necessitate a new governance framework across the country.
He urged politicians to prioritize the public interest over safeguarding their political strongholds, stating that leaders must focus on addressing the people’s problems rather than protecting their dominance. Aleem Khan described the issue as a national concern that should not be compromised for political convenience, reiterating that the IPP would continue to champion the cause of new provinces at every opportunity.
The renewed debate on new provinces was sparked by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s remarks last week, in which he declared that Pakistan’s current governance system had “collapsed” and was incapable of resolving the nation’s challenges. Naqvi called for administrative reforms, including the creation of new administrative units.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan also supported the establishment of new provinces, emphasizing that while they are necessary, such changes must be backed by broad political consensus and a two-thirds majority in the respective assemblies. Speaking on a prominent news program, he stressed that without fundamental reforms, the country would continue facing persistent challenges over the next decade.
Subsequently, Naqvi clarified that he was not indicting the government, affirming his role within the administration and stating that the existing system would complete its full constitutional term of five years. He reiterated his view that the governance system has deteriorated over the past 80 years, hindering Pakistan’s progress.
While the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has outright rejected the proposal for new provinces, some of Naqvi’s colleagues, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Prime Minister’s adviser Rana Sanaullah, have also not expressed support for the idea.
Earlier in the day, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah firmly opposed dividing the province, pointing out that the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority resolution from the provincial assembly to create new provinces. He noted that the Sindh Assembly has repeatedly and unanimously passed resolutions opposing any division of the province. Shah added that if the position ever changes, which seems unlikely, the matter could then be discussed.
Separately, Rana Sanaullah distanced the government from Naqvi’s statements, calling them nonsensical and expressing confusion over the minister’s intended message. He remarked that Naqvi’s comments appeared to reflect his personal opinion and that the minister seemed to have attempted a broader point but failed to articulate it clearly. Sanaullah admitted that parts of Naqvi’s statement were contradictory and that he still did not understand the purpose behind the remarks.
