Naqvi says decision on new provinces must reflect public will

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi remains steadfast in his demand for new provinces, insisting that any decision must reflect the will of the people. Speaking at a National Policy Dialogue in Lahore, Naqvi reiterated his stance, stating that he would not back down from the call for new administrative units, regardless of his continued tenure.

He questioned the NFC award policy, suggesting that it incentivizes population growth for greater resource allocation, and warned against viewing this as a potential "ticking bomb" that could lead to government collapse. Naqvi advocated for smaller administrative units to bring governance nearer to the populace, proposing multiple new provinces, particularly in Punjab and Sindh.

Critics have raised concerns over the political, financial, and administrative challenges that could arise from such changes. Naqvi emphasized that his remarks were not targeted at any specific political party but were aimed at the broader system in place since Pakistan's independence. He urged the nation not to become emotionally invested in the matter, emphasizing that the discussion should not occur in a short timeframe.

Naqvi highlighted the need for provinces to resemble larger cities like Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta, and called for a comprehensive review and resetting of the system to address long-standing issues and improve outcomes for citizens. He strongly supported the idea of making Islamabad a province, arguing that the capital should have a stronger fiscal position.

Naqvi reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all political parties participate in deliberations on this issue, asserting that it should not be confined to specific demographics or regions, but rather focused on enhancing governance, building a competent system, and bridging the gap between the government and the people.