Federal minister says National Assembly and Senate will debate new provinces in October; Islamabad to retain federal status under a new governance model.
ISLAMABAD – Web Desk: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has announced that the issue of creating new provinces in Pakistan will be debated in Parliament during the National Assembly and Senate sessions expected in October.
Speaking to the media, Chaudhry said Parliament was the appropriate forum for discussing the politically sensitive issue, which has recently gained renewed attention among political parties, business representatives and other sections of society.
The minister said neither the National Assembly nor the Senate was scheduled to hold a session in September, while both houses were expected to meet in October. The debate on the formation of new provinces would be taken up when the sessions convene.
Parliament to Lead Debate on New Provinces
Chaudhry stressed that the debate should take place in Parliament, where representatives from across the country are present.
He said the National Assembly represents all four provinces, while the Senate provides equal representation to the provinces. According to the minister, any decision on the creation of new provinces would require consultation among political parties and other stakeholders.
The announcement comes amid a wider political debate over whether Pakistan’s existing administrative structure is adequate for effective governance.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had earlier called for the creation of additional provinces or administrative units, arguing that structural changes were needed to improve governance. The proposal subsequently triggered debate among political parties, particularly in Sindh.
Islamabad Not Being Made a Province
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also clarified that Islamabad would not be converted into a separate province.
He said the federal capital would retain its status as a federal territory but would move towards a new governance model aimed at improving administrative efficiency.
According to the minister, a five-member committee constituted on the prime minister’s directions has proposed establishing a legislative assembly for Islamabad. The proposed structure would oversee administrative matters, including areas such as health and education, under a chief executive or mayor.
Chaudhry said the proposed governance model had been developed after examining practices in other countries and that consultations with political parties and stakeholders were continuing.
Bilawal Calls for Parliamentary Debate
The development follows Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s recent call for the issue of new provinces to be discussed in Parliament rather than at business forums.
Speaking to reporters in London, Bilawal said the matter should be debated by elected representatives and that he was prepared to discuss the issue with any federal minister or government representative in the National Assembly.
Bilawal has maintained that Pakistan’s problems should be addressed through democracy and greater public participation. The PPP has also stressed that any decision concerning new provinces should involve constitutional processes and consultation with the people concerned.
The planned October parliamentary debate is therefore expected to provide a formal platform for political parties to present their positions on the creation of new provinces and possible administrative restructuring.
