Sharjeel Memon says new provinces can only be created through constitutional process

Sharjeel Inam Memon, a senior Sindh minister, stated on Tuesday that any plans for establishing a new province must adhere to the constitution and receive approval from the appropriate assemblies. During a press conference in Karachi, Memon emphasized the necessity of obtaining approval from both the National Assembly and the relevant provincial assembly.

He explained that the process involves presenting the proposal to the Senate, followed by the provincial assembly, and finally, passage by both the National and provincial assemblies. On July 30, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had proposed the creation of additional administrative units or provinces during the Pakistan Economic Summit 2026 in Islamabad, aiming to address what he perceived as outdated governance structures.

This proposal met with mixed reactions from various political factions, with some endorsing the idea while others voiced opposition. Memon clarified that televised discussions and comments could not supersede the constitutional process for establishing new provinces. He reiterated that the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Sindh government had a clear stance on the matter and would strictly comply with constitutional guidelines.

Memon pointed out that Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah had also previously mentioned the issue was not discussed in any cabinet meetings, and he had heard Sanaullah's remarks on television. He urged the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to articulate its position on the topic, stating that if the Punjab Assembly had passed a resolution, the PML-N should publicly acknowledge and respond to it.

Memon also highlighted that the issue was ongoing in media debates and reiterated the PPP and Sindh government's adherence to the constitutional framework for creating new provinces. He asserted that the decision on establishing new provinces ultimately rests with the people and their elected representatives. Memon further noted that the PPP had previously passed relevant legislation and would introduce additional legislation as needed.

He emphasized that the PPP had already enacted laws and would bring further legislation before the assembly if required. Memon criticized Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, alleging they were "politically finished." He dismissed concerns about the matter becoming a source of debate or controversy, asserting that the issue should be handled according to the law and the will of the people.

MQM-P had previously announced plans to initiate a nationwide dialogue with political parties to discuss the creation of new provinces and administrative divisions, citing the need for administrative decentralization due to Pakistan's expanding population, poor governance, and concentration of political power.