PPP to move resolution for south Punjab province in PA

Gilani says PML-N has also voiced support for the creation of a new province in south Punab.

LAHORE:
Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday said his Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will move a resolution in the Punjab Assembly for the creation of a new province in south Punjab.

Talking to the media after inaugurating the Paksat-1R Communication Control Facility at Kala Shah Kaku, Gilani said that Nawaz Sharif had supported the proposed creation of a new province when the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief gave a speech in Dera Ghazi Khan in October.

(Read: Nawaz Sharif backs creation of new provinces)

The Prime Minister said that the demand for a separate province was a longstanding one for the people of south Punjab. He added that the new province could be given any name as it made no difference.“One can give any name to a flower but its fragrance remains the same,” he added.

Gilani said that centuries ago, south Punjab was a separate province having different traditions, values, culture and customs to north Punjab.


(Read: A mystical journey into the rich cultural heritage of south Punjab)

He said the democratic process could not be contained, and those, who wanted to do politics or hold processions and public meetings, could do so. The PPP would rather facilitate them instead of obstructing such acts. However, Gilani advised, political parties should not issue statements that hurt the sentiments of others, he added.

Responding to a question about the statements of PML-N for overthrowing the Federal Government, he said,“We have been hearing such statements since 2008 and if they [the PML-N] have the strength to topple the PPP-led democratic government, they are free to do so.”

Gilani added that the PPP has been bifurcated in Punjab just to ensure an effective communication for party re-organisation at grassroots level, especially in rural areas.

(Read: Structural shifts: PPP bifurcates its Punjab chapter)

Replying to another question about Imran Khan’s demand for declaration of assets by politicians, the Prime Minister said that it was Imran’s democratic right, however, he should know, “no one (politician) can become a member of parliament without declaring his/her assets details before the Election Commission.”
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