No compromise on unity of Sindh: minister

Sindh Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah on Saturday responded to a statement by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, stressing that while administrative reforms were essential to improve governance and public service delivery, they should not be linked with proposals to divide the province or create new provinces.

In a statement, Nasir Shah said he agreed with Mohsin Naqvi on the need for reforms aimed at improving governance, establishing an effective administrative system and providing better facilities to citizens. However, he stressed that administrative reforms and the reorganisation of provinces were two entirely separate matters.

"Provinces are not merely administrative units; they have their own history, identity, culture, language, geography and constitutional status," he said, adding that any change in provincial boundaries or status could not be justified solely on administrative grounds.

The local government minister said that if the objective was to bring governance and decision-making closer to the people, it could be achieved within the existing constitutional framework.

He pointed out that new districts, divisions and tehsils could be created, while local government institutions could be further empowered to devolve authority to the grassroots level.

Nasir Shah said the people of Sindh had repeatedly and clearly expressed their collective position regarding their land, history and identity. He maintained that the question of dividing Sindh was not merely an administrative proposal but was deeply connected with the sentiments, history and collective will of the people of the province.

He reiterated that the Sindh government was willing to discuss all constructive proposals aimed at improving governance and public welfare.