In the wake of the demands for new provinces by different political elements, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Thursday said creation of any new province on linguistic basis would not be supported, however, division of Punjab on administrative grounds could be considered.
The PML-N senior leader and Senior Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Zulifqar Ali Khosa told reporters at a news conference Thursday that the matter pertaining to creation of provinces on administrative grounds could be considered in National and Punjab assembly on the demands of people of Multan, D.G. Khan and Bahawalpur Divisions.
Some politicians are raising unconstitutional demand of creation of Seriaki province. "Seriakis are not enjoying the status of a nation and the province of Punjab could not be divided merely on the basis of propaganda of a few people," he said. He said he does not support the creation of a province on linguistic grounds, and if there is a need to set up more administrative units, a constitutional way should be followed, which include approval from the assembly by two-third majority or referendum.
The Senior Advisor said PML-N Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has already said that new provinces could be created on the demand of the people, but a constitutional way needs to be followed in this regard. Khosa said development schemes worth Rs 135 billion are being completed in South Punjab. These schemes are in addition to annual development programme (ADP) while projects are being executed in collaboration with federal government.
He further said some of these schemes would be completed this year and others by next year. Medical colleges are being built in D.G. Khan, Sahiwal and Bahawalpur, and each medical college will cost between Rs 1.75 billion and Rs 2.5 billion, he added.
He alleged that some elements are trying to gain 'political mileage' by raising the issue that only Rs 5 billion have been allocated for developmental projects in South Punjab, adding that these elements, who could never get more than a few hundred votes, are also raising the issue of Seraiki province.
He said medical colleges are also being set up in Sialkot and Gujranwala. "If the government of PML-N is given a chance to complete its term, development projects initiated in Khushab and Mianwali will also be completed which will help alleviate poverty," he remarked. Replying to a question, Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa said Seraiki is a language spoken in parts of South Punjab, Sindh and NWFP, and other ethnic groups like Syed, Baloch, Gujjar, etc are also living in South Punjab.
"He said Muhammad Ali Durrani is raising slogans for creation of a separate province in Bahawalpur after his party has been routed in the elections and Pervez Musharraf has left the country. To another question, he said the PML-N leadership awarded tickets for by-elections to suitable candidates in consultation with other party members.
He said the government has adequate funds for wheat procurement and storage arrangements, in this regard, have been completed. The government has given rights to the tenants of Okara, he added. It may be noted that the PML-Q Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani has demanded that the people of Bahawalpur should be given a new province. Likewise, PML (like-minded) President Senator Salim Saifullah also, has said there was no harm in creating new provinces. "If India could create 32 provinces out of 10, why Pakistan could not have more provinces," he asked.
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