PML-N's Rana Sanaullah says new provinces debate may take eight months

LAHORE: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah Khan stated that discussions about establishing new provinces are still in the preliminary stages and could take six to eight months to be presented to Parliament and its committees. He emphasized that his party, PML-N, did not initiate the proposal. During a meeting with journalists, Sanaullah asserted that if the proposal was formally introduced, each political party and member would have the chance to voice their opinions.

The matter might then be discussed by a parliamentary or standing committee. He noted that significant time remains before the issue reaches Parliament. Sanaullah questioned the choice to initiate the debate at an economic forum, stating it was not the appropriate platform for launching projects with major constitutional and political changes.

He clarified that the PML-N had not proposed any major division of provinces. Regarding the Bahawalpur division, he revealed that the party's local leadership in Punjab opposed including the region in a proposed South Punjab province, while some wanted it to be a separate province, and others preferred it to remain connected to Lahore.

The Pakistan Peoples Party, he noted, had gained politically by aligning workers emotionally with the provincial division debate. He addressed the controversial canal project, stating President Asif Ali Zardari supported it but the PPP created public opposition, leading to its halt. Asked about alleged back-channel contacts with PTI founder Imran Khan, Sanaullah said such communications might exist but there would be a price for pursuing them.