Mahmood calls for creation of new provinces

MULTAN:

Punjab Group of Colleges Chairman Mian Amer Mahmood has said creating new provinces is an urgent need as it would bring development, make politicians more accountable and provide people with justice and basic facilities in a better way.

"Formation of new provinces would also reduce expenses," Mahmood said on Tuesday while speaking at a private university. He said Pakistan currently has four provinces, with Punjab alone comprising 51 percent of the population.

Punjab, with its 130 million people, is bigger than three other units combined and this is why it is often criticized. Only 13 countries in the world have populations larger than Punjab, he added.

He said Balochistan, though the largest by area, had a very small population at the time of independence, but its population has now increased rapidly.

"We give power to the president and prime minister through our vote so they may solve people's problems. Supporting the government means supporting public welfare.

"Around the world, governments work for public welfare and form smaller provinces so facilities reach people at their doorsteps," he said.

Citing a World Bank report, he said, deprivation is widespread in the country. "In 80 years, we have only developed five cities. Facilities are confined to five capitals. Until powers are devolved to the grassroots, the country cannot progress," he added.

Mahmood compared Pakistan with China and India. He said China has 31 provinces, India has 39 states, while Pakistan, despite being the fifth most populous country, has only four provinces. He said the world's top ten most populous countries developed by dividing their territories for better governance.