LAHORE: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that the debate over the creation of new provinces should take place in Parliament rather than at economic forums or seminars, allowing all political parties to present their positions.
Speaking at a press conference, Rana Sanaullah said that if the people want new provinces, no one can stop them. However, he maintained that the final decision on the creation or otherwise of new provinces must be taken by Parliament.
He said the matter had not yet been formally discussed in Parliament or the federal cabinet. However, if a joint sitting of Parliament approves the proposal, a referendum would be held.
Rana Sanaullah added that consultations were also underway within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on the issue of new provinces. He said the party would present its policy position when the matter comes before Parliament.
Regarding the long marches announced by Jamaat-e-Islami and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he said the government had requested Jamaat-e-Islami to postpone its protest.
