THREE weeks ago MQM-P leader Dr Farooq Sattar during the budget debate session in the National Assembly demanded a new province in Sindh, while supporting the demand for the southern Punjab province. The move virtually was seen as an attempt to appease party workers and to woo their support in the run-up to the general election.

In reaction to Dr Sattar’s demand, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, a week ago, while delivering his farewell speech on the floor of the Sindh Assembly, unleashed his tirade criticising those who floated the demand for a separate province in Sindh. He described the demand as division of one’s own house. Mr Shah’s excessive reaction was also seen by many as one of political expediency to maximise workers’ support before the elections.

It is feared that workers on both sides might be provoked, resulting in clashes during the election campaign. Therefore, party leaders from both sides should refrain from issuing such provocative statements.

Ali Asghar

Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2018