CM Murad rules out division of Sindh as Provincial Assembly begins debate on new provinces

On Monday, the Sindh Assembly commenced a debate on the potential creation of new provinces within Pakistan, including Sindh. The atmosphere in the house was characterized by a high degree of parliamentary decorum, with members from both the treasury and opposition benches engaging in the discussion with restraint and seriousness. The debate primarily revolved around constitutional arguments and historical context, rather than personal attacks or targeted attacks.

The motion, introduced by Pakistan Peoples Party Sindh President and Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Nisar Khuhro, aimed to facilitate a discussion on the possibility of creating new provinces and administrative units in Pakistan, with a focus on the proposed changes to the existing territorial limits of the province of Sindh.

The chief minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, underscored the unwavering commitment of Sindh to remain united and indivisible, emphasizing that decisions regarding the province's status and territorial integrity should be made exclusively within the provincial assembly.

Mr. Khuhro brought the motion to the floor of the house, arguing that speeches outside parliament could not be stopped, but the people of Sindh had already spoken out against any attempts to divide the province. He criticized remarks made at a businessmen's conference in Islamabad, where a federal minister had suggested the need for new provinces.

Mr. Khuhro traced Sindh's history from the Indus Civilization to its separation from the Bombay Presidency, lamenting that the province had already suffered under the One Unit policy in the 1950s. He reiterated that with a two-thirds majority in the assembly, Sindh would remain united and indivisible.

During the debate, members from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) also participated, advocating for administrative reforms rather than division. They contended that the 1973 Constitution provided a procedure for creating provinces, and that the introduction of new administrative districts in Karachi had not divided the city. Therefore, they argued, new administrative units would not divide Sindh either.