No Plan Yet to Create New Provinces in Pakistan, Rana Sanaullah Says

Islamabad: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that no plan has so far been prepared to create new provinces in Pakistan, dismissing various claims about the possible number of provinces in the country.

Speaking to the media, Rana Sanaullah said different figures were being discussed, with some people talking about 12 provinces, others 20 and some even suggesting 32. However, he said there was currently no formal government plan on the issue.

He said the establishment had not held any discussions with the government regarding the creation of new provinces, adding that the matter had neither been discussed in the federal cabinet nor in Parliament.

Rana Sanaullah said federal ministers advocating the creation of new provinces should present a formal proposal or formula in writing so that it could be considered properly.

Responding to questions about Punjab Minister Aleem Khan’s views on the issue, he asked whether Aleem Khan had presented any concrete plan for creating new provinces.

“Provinces cannot be created simply by talking about them or discussing the issue on a podcast,” Rana Sanaullah said, adding that anyone could express a personal or hypothetical opinion about how the country should be reorganized.

Commenting on Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan leader Mustafa Kamal’s position, he said the issue raised by Kamal was limited to Karachi and should be viewed separately from the broader question of creating new provinces across the country.

Rana Sanaullah further said there was currently no widespread public demand for the creation of new provinces.

He said that, apart from the demand for Hazara province, there was no significant public movement elsewhere in the country calling for the creation of new provinces.