Rana Sanaullah says new provinces debate should take place in Parliament

PMO Political Affairs Adviser Rana Sanaullah has called for a parliamentary debate on the formation of new provinces, suggesting economic forums and seminars are insufficient platforms. Delivering a press conference in Lahore, Sanaullah stated that if citizens desired new provinces, "no one could stop them", emphasizing that the ultimate decision would be made through Parliament.

When asked about the potential creation of new provinces, Sanaullah revealed that the matter had not yet surfaced in either cabinet discussions or parliamentary sessions. He affirmed that dialogues at forums and within speeches would not yield tangible outcomes, advocating for a parliamentary debate where all provincial leaders could voice their opinions.

Sanaullah noted that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is deliberating on its stance towards new provinces and intends to engage in the parliamentary discussion. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would also contribute to the debate, according to Sanaullah. The PML-N would consider the perspectives of its workers at district and union-council levels before declaring its policy.

Sanaullah stated that the creation of new provinces is ultimately a matter for Parliament, with a proposed joint session potentially leading to a referendum if approved. Concerning a proposed long march by Jamaat-e-Islami and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Sanaullah had requested the leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami to postpone their march by one or two weeks.

He expressed hope that the PML-N would also push for reduced petroleum prices, and encouraged Jamaat-e-Islami to organize a peaceful protest. However, Sanaullah warned that he feared the "other party’s" long march might not remain peaceful.