Mindset against 18th Amendment, NFC Award behind new provinces campaign, says ex-senator Farhatullah Babar

Human Rights Cell (HRC) President and former Senator Farhatullah Babar has expressed serious concerns over the push for new provinces in Pakistan. Speaking at a news conference alongside HRC General Secretary Malaika Raza, Babar argued that the campaign for new provinces overlooks the democratic mechanisms already in place under the constitution.

He emphasized that provinces cannot be created by drawing lines on paper in Islamabad. Babar's party, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), views this approach with deep concern, seeing it as a reflection of a mindset that opposes the 18th Amendment and the NFC Award. Babar warned that this mindset poses a broader threat to democracy and provincial autonomy.

He highlighted the International Day of Democracy, urging Pakistan to address growing restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Babar stressed that democracy means the freedom to speak about societal issues, rejecting the imposition of Section 144 in Islamabad. His party remains a coalition partner in the government but will continue to raise questions on democracy and human rights.

Babar criticized the use of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act against journalists and political voices, emphasizing that legislation should not be a tool for silencing dissent. He also addressed the quota system, stating it is constitutionally provided and can only be abolished through a constitutional amendment. Babar addressed Karachi's challenges, noting its economic burden on the country and urging comprehensive and lasting solutions.

Malaika Raza echoed Babar's concerns, highlighting Pakistan's deep human rights challenges and the need for all sectors—state, political parties, and society—to play their part in protecting human rights.