LAHORE: The Punjab government is reportedly considering a proposal to establish a mini secretariat in Multan and appoint an additional chief secretary to facilitate population living in south Punjab and apparently counter Pakistan Peoples Party’s demand of creating a Seraiki province.

Following instructions from Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, sources claimed, the Punjab government has begun deliberations and held a couple of meetings to discuss modalities of creating a post in south Punjab. Sources said nothing on the subject had been brought on record yet.

While rumours in this regard are rife, voices are being raised why not an ACS for north Punjab as well.

Since the move is being considered more political than administrative, sources say the incumbent government has begun this exercise to gain political mileage ahead of next election.

It is learnt that a similar exercise was also conducted during the PPP rule in 2010. Top government functionaries offered no comments.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2017