New demarcations: PPP devises strategy to push for Seraiki province

Party to table resolution in parliament on new province in upcoming session.

KARACHI:

Going a step ahead, the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party has devised a strategy to halve Punjab and carve out a new Seraiki province.

President Asif Ali Zardari directed the prime minister to consult all political parties on moving a resolution in parliament during the upcoming session for the formation of the new province.

At a high-level huddle at Bilawal House on Tuesday, the president briefed the PPP leadership from Sindh about the importance of a new province in Punjab and the government’s efforts for this purpose, sources told The Express Tribune.

According to the PPP strategy, a resolution will be adopted in parliament which will then be sent to the Punjab Assembly in accordance with Article 239 (4) of the Constitution.

Article 239 (4) says that no new province can be created without the consent of the concerned provincial government.

“If the Punjab government does not agree, we will adopt other ways to create a new province in Punjab,” a senior PPP leader quoted President Zardari as saying. However, he did not explain what ‘other ways’ the government had in mind.

Special meeting on Lyari

President Zardari also asked Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah to direct paramilitary Rangers and Frontier Constabulary to assist the police to restore order in the restive Lyari neighbourhood of the city.

Presidential spokesperson Senator Farhatullah Babar told the media that the president emphasised that law and order would be maintained at all costs without fear or favour with the help of law enforcement agencies.

The president was of the view that violence in Lyari has to be tackled by both use of force against criminals and focus on basic development of the area.

The PPP leaders presented their perspectives on the reasons behind the unrest in Lyari and offered suggestions on how to tackle the situation.

Later the meeting also reviewed progress on various development projects in the area.

The meeting reviewed progress on Lyari Development Package which includes laying and relaying of water and sewerage pipelines and system, development of roads, educational institutions, parks, playgrounds and the electrification in all the 11 Union Councils of Lyari.

Separately, Awami National Party leader Shahi Syed appreciated the president’s efforts for restoration of peace in Karachi.

Talking to Radio Pakistan, he said all stakeholders have agreed to a targeted operation against offenders. He added that all political parties would cooperate with law-enforcement agencies in this regard.

Muttahida Quami Movement leader Tahir Mashhadi also thanked the president for taking quick measures to solve the issues in Karachi.

(Read: The debate for more provinces)

(WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP)

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th, 2012.