Administratively, it makes perfect sense for a Seraiki province given the grievances of southern Punjab.
ISLAMABAD: According to reports, the government is considering making an announcement for a separate Seraiki province by the end of this month or on August 14. The PPP has made this move, apparently in order to truncate the influence of its archrival, the PML-N. Not to be outdone by the PPP, Nawaz Sharif has also formed a party committee related to the demand for new provinces. While this may be a political gimmick for the two mainstream political parties, the truth is that the idea of more provinces in Pakistan is indeed a good one.
Most politicians think that the idea of a Seraiki province is good for administrative purposes while missing the complete picture. There is an ethnic and linguistic issue at hand as well. Administratively, it makes perfect sense for a Seraiki province given the grievances of southern Punjab because of ‘Takht Lahore’. It is a longstanding complaint of those who live in south Punjab that the Lahore-based Punjab government does not do justice to their region.
The argument for more provinces on linguistic, ethnic and administrative lines is something that should be given a patient hearing. Small provinces should be made due to the argument against Punjab’s domination. When people’s complaints and demands are met, Pakistan will be strengthened. If the people want new provinces, they should get them. It is in the realm of real democracy. Soliciting opinion has always strengthened democracy instead of undermining it. Our politicians should not be afraid of this process.
In the past, Pakistan negated the linguistic and ethnic realities when the One-Unit idea was implemented. We should not make the same mistake again by denying the people of Pakistan their just rights.
Amjad Rashid
Published in The Express Tribune, August 6th, 2011.
