In London, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari convened a significant five-hour meeting with his father, former President Asif Ali Zardari, at the latter’s residence. The gathering, which also included Bilawal’s sister Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari, focused on the political landscape of Pakistan and the party’s firm opposition to any division of Sindh.
During the discussions, the PPP leadership reaffirmed their commitment to opposing proposals that seek to alter Sindh’s territorial boundaries or create new administrative units within the province. The meeting concluded with a unanimous decision to uphold the party’s stance against the fragmentation of Sindh. Additionally, the group reviewed the recent speech delivered by PPP leader Faryal Talpur, which was part of the deliberations.
This meeting occurred amid a renewed national debate over the restructuring of Pakistan’s provinces and administrative divisions. On September 3, the Sindh Assembly passed a resolution rejecting any attempts to divide the province or modify its borders, emphasizing that no such changes would be accepted without the assembly’s consent.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has consistently maintained that the creation of new provinces should be a consensual process. He has specifically stated that any discussion regarding Sindh’s status must take place within the provincial assembly. The PPP’s position remains aligned with the people’s interests, supporting reforms only when reached through broad agreement.
Following the London meeting, Bilawal and Bakhtawar departed for their residence, with Bilawal informing reporters that he would remain in London for several more days.
The current debate intensified in late July when Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi described Pakistan’s governance system as having “collapsed” and advocated for the establishment of new administrative units, which could be provinces or other forms of local governance, alongside devolving powers to lower levels.
Subsequently, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal proposed the creation of 12 to 15 provinces, calling for a national dialogue and political consensus on administrative reforms. These proposals faced strong opposition in Sindh, particularly from the PPP, which resists any division of the province.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticized the PPP for what he described as a “double standard,” noting the party’s support for a Saraiki province in Punjab while opposing the creation of Sindhudesh amid broader restructuring discussions. Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah labeled the debate as premature, whereas the PPP insists that provincial matters should be resolved through the respective assemblies.
