Debate over new provinces intensifies: Khawaja Asif accuses PPP of ‘double standard’

ISLAMABAD - Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for displaying a "double standard" regarding new provinces. Asif claims that the PPP supports the creation of a Saraiki province in Punjab but raises the Sindhudesh issue when broader administrative restructuring is discussed. The X-post from Asif suggests that the PPP shows a "soft corner" for the demand for a Saraiki province whenever the issue is raised in Punjab.

However, when there is talk of multiple provinces or administrative units beyond four, the PPP begins discussing the Sindhudesh issue. Asif believes there is a "something else" behind the PPP's contradictory position. He further stressed his commitment to upholding Pakistan as "first and last". Additionally, Asif called for the genuine implementation of devolution as outlined in the 18th Constitutional Amendment, stating that while the principle was constitutionally established, it has not been respected in practice.

He argued that the current system has become outdated due to the concentration of powers and proposed transferring authority to lower levels to enable democracy to take root at the grassroots level, benefiting the people.