The Secretary General of Pakistan People's Party (People's Party) Syed Nair Hussain Bukhari has made it clear that the power to create new provinces in the country lies solely with the Parliament and no executive order has any status in this matter.

In his statement in Islamabad, he emphasized that there is a clear and legal procedure for reshuffle of administrative units under the Constitution of Pakistan. This position has come at a time when the discussion regarding the establishment of new administrative units is going on in different political circles of the country.

Constitutional Procedure and Power of Parliament

Nir Hussain Bukhari reminded that Article 238 and 239 of the Constitution states that legislation for the reorganization of any province or the establishment of a new province is possible only through the Parliament.

He said that constitutional boundaries cannot be changed through executive orders or presidential proclamations. All four provinces and federations of the country are represented in the parliament, so no major decision can be taken without the approval of the people's representatives.

Political response and previous demands

Demands for the formation of new administrative units in various parts of the country, especially in South Punjab, Hazara and Karachi, have a long history. Before every election, political parties make these demands part of their manifestos, but in practice there is a lack of consensus at the legislative stage.

This latest statement of the People's Party is re-heating the debate whether a new constitutional amendment can be brought in the current political environment or not. Analysts believe that it is not easy for any party to get two-thirds majority in parliament without political consensus.

What should ordinary citizens and readers do now?

If you want to be a part of this political debate or ask your constituents, keep the following in mind:

  • Contact the members of the National Assembly and the Senate in your area and find out what their position is on the party's policy regarding the new provinces.
  • Study the relevant article of the Constitution of Pakistan instead of political statements and social media rumours.
  • Keep an eye on whether any such constitutional bill is formally introduced in the upcoming sessions of Parliament.

What to look forward to?

In the coming weeks, it will be important to see whether other major political parties, especially the Muslim League-N and Tehreek-e-Insaaf, support this position or whether a new political front opens up on it. One can expect more heated debate on this topic inside and outside Parliament.