The Sindh senior minister says the federal government must clarify whether Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s comments represent official policy or his personal view.
KARACHI, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has asked the federal government to clarify whether Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s recent remarks about new provinces and administrative units represent official government policy or his personal opinion.
Memon described Asif’s comments as disappointing and accused federal ministers of engaging in what he called political rhetoric against Sindh.
Memon demands clarification from federal government
Reacting to Khawaja Asif’s remarks, Memon said the federal government should clearly state whether the defence minister was expressing an official policy position.
He urged the PML-N to review the political and constitutional history surrounding the provinces debate before making statements about Sindh and the Pakistan Peoples Party.
Memon said the PPP’s position on the issue was not contradictory but was based on what he described as constitutional and principled considerations.
PPP rejects accusation of double standards
The dispute follows Khawaja Asif’s criticism of what he described as the PPP’s “two-faced policy” on new provinces.
Asif said the PPP had shown support or flexibility toward the creation of a Saraiki province in Punjab while raising concerns about “Sindhudesh” when proposals for multiple provinces or administrative units were discussed.
He also argued that devolution of powers was inevitable and said Pakistan’s 36 divisions could be used as administrative units or another geographical arrangement could be developed.
Memon rejected the accusation of double standards.
According to the Express report, he said the Punjab Assembly had passed resolutions supporting a Saraiki province twice, while the Sindh Assembly had passed eight resolutions opposing the creation of further provinces within Sindh.
Memon warns against making Sindh a ‘scapegoat’
Memon urged the ruling PML-N to accommodate its political allies without making Sindh, in his words, a “scapegoat”.
He said the PPP had consistently supported strengthening the federation, upholding the Constitution and maintaining the democratic system.
The senior Sindh minister added that the PPP would continue playing its role in strengthening Pakistan’s federal and democratic structure.
Debate over new provinces intensifies
The exchange between the two ministers comes amid a growing political debate over whether Pakistan needs additional provinces or smaller administrative units.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has recently advocated the creation of new provinces and administrative units, saying structural reforms are needed to improve governance.
Khawaja Asif subsequently argued that greater devolution of powers was necessary and that Pakistan could use its existing divisions as administrative units.
The debate has drawn strong opposition from the PPP leadership in Sindh.
Sindh Assembly remains central to dispute
The question of creating new provinces is particularly sensitive in Sindh.
PPP leaders have repeatedly argued that any decision affecting the province’s status must follow constitutional procedures and involve the relevant provincial institutions.
Earlier, Sharjeel Memon said decisions regarding the creation of new provinces should be taken through constitutional forums rather than television debates, surveys, referendums, protests or rallies.
The Sindh Assembly has also passed resolutions opposing the creation of additional provinces within Sindh, according to Memon’s latest statement.
No federal policy confirmed
Despite the escalating political exchange, there has been no confirmation in the latest reports that the federal government has formally adopted a policy to divide Sindh or create a specific number of new provinces.
Memon’s demand for clarification therefore focuses on whether Khawaja Asif’s remarks represent an official government position or an individual political view.
