Asif hopeful of consensus on new provinces, says it will bring 'progressive' change in political landscape

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expressed optimism on Sunday that a consensus on establishing new provinces would lead to progressive political change in Pakistan. Asif, speaking on Geo News programme 'Naya Pakistan,' acknowledged that discussions on this matter were underway, following high-level meetings involving the president.

He emphasized that while he lacked specific information, he believed the consultations were heading in the right direction. Asif stated that consensus was being developed over several weeks, and he anticipated the political landscape to evolve positively with the creation of new provinces. The minister cited an upcoming new year as a potential timeline for the implementation of the new system.

He also suggested that there was no need for political parties to feel threatened by the idea, as political ethos continually evolves. Asif noted that the 18th Amendment's local government provisions had not been fully implemented, which prompted his advocacy for smaller administrative units. He argued that Pakistan's growing population demanded more efficient public service delivery.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, however, remains opposed to dividing Sindh into smaller provinces, stating that the people of the province have repeatedly rejected the idea. Asif acknowledged the opposition but maintained that consensus was still being formed on the situation and that no one would have their decision forced upon them.