IT is interesting to note that the creation of new provinces is supported by all political parties, including the PPP, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Pakistan Muslim League -N, Pakistan Muslim League-Q, Muttahida Quami Movement, Awami National Party, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F),Jamaat-i-Islami, Pakistan Awami Tehreek and others.

The important question is: when all political parties sitting in goverment and opposition support the creation of new provinces, then why does the issue of new provinces exist in Paksitan.

The answer to this question is that whenever the PPP demands a province in South Punjab, the MQM starts seeking a province in Sindh (Mohajir province). Thus the PPP abandons its demand for Seraiki province and rushes to save its Sindh province, which is under its rule for a long time.

In such a situation, the PML-N stands with the MQM to make PPP shun its demand of separate province in Punjab. In this way two mainstream political parties -- the PPP and the PML -N -- go back to zero point on the issue of new provinces in Punjab and Sindh because both have their own interests in current boundaries of their provinces.

Thus the creation of new provinces in Punjab and Sindh will remain a dream because of lack of people’s support in parliament on law-making.

Similarly, the demand for a new province in Balochistan is mainly raised by Pushtuns.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa we see people demanding a new province of Hazara. Their movement is led by people of Abbottabad division and other adjoining areas. Here again we note that the ANP and other Pushtun groups are not willing to listen to the voice of Hazaras.

In the above context Article 239(4) is relevant. Articles 238 and 239 empower the parliament to make any amendment by an act of parliament.

In view of this, clause (4) of Article 239 needs to be read with Article 1 to achieve the purpose of creating new provinces out of the existing ones.

Khazir Klasra

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2015

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