The question of new provinces has ignited a political firestorm in the National Assembly over the last few days – so much so that the slanging matches between political parties even disregarded a plea by the prime minister himself to calm the situation down during Friday’s session.
However, coming to the fore for the first time since the issue broke out, Senator Raza Rabbani, the architect of the 18th Amendment, rubbished the idea of a ‘debate’ on the issue in the National Assembly – stating categorically that the exercise was unconstitutional.
“It (the resolution) can only be brought before the National Assembly if passed by the provincial assembly with a two-thirds majority,” said Senator Raza Rabbani while addressing the media on Friday.
Senator Rabbani headed the body that drafted the historic 18th Amendment, which empowered provinces in the spirit of devolution. The widely-hailed amendment was passed unanimously by the National Assembly.
The seasoned senator from the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) said that discussion over the subject in the National Assembly reflects a ‘centrist’ frame of mind and recommended that a resolution for new provinces should at first be tabled in the provincial assemblies.
The fire continues
The debate over the creation of new provinces eclipsed parliamentary norms on Friday as MPs stampeded to project their version of a solution, disregarding the prime minister’s advice of not ‘spoiling an already achieved consensus’ on the Seraiki province.
“I do not want that the consensus developed on the creation of the Seraiki province is lost due to politics, and we miss the opportunity. History will never forgive us if this happens,” Yousaf Raza Gilani warned the noisy members of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), who insisted on a head count on their resolution for Seraiki and Hazara provinces.
“We do not oppose the creation of new provinces and a majority of members support us over the Seraiki province at this juncture …but I do not know when they will support you (MQM for Hazara),” the prime minister said.
However, neither the PM’s statement nor his consultation on the floor with Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Dr Farooq Sattar, Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Khan Ghauri and Haider Abbas Rizvi could pacify the MQM.
Religious Minister Khursheed Shah proposed that two bills (for Seraiki and Hazara provinces) “should be moved on the first day of the next session and be decided according to the constitution.”
“Why don’t you take the opinion of this house?” questioned Ghauri, who had joined some 20 members of his party protesting against not bringing the MQM’s resolution on the agenda of the day.
Although members from the PPP shied away from lashing out at their coalition partners, the MQM, Parvez Khan of the Awami National Party (ANP) grilled both parties and rejected Khursheed Shah’s proposal.
“It’s an attempt to make coalition partners hostage,” he said.
He further said that their objection over MQM’s resolution is on the basis that nothing can be done unless provincial assemblies first pass resolutions over the subject.
Dr Farooq Sattar responded that while it was the ANP’s right to oppose the move, it should not damage the coalition and called for voting.
Following Sattar’s statement, the house once again raised slogans for voting and for the creation of Hazara, Fata and Seraiki provinces before Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi jumped in and prorogued the session.
Punjab comes under fire
Earlier, members of the PML-Q appreciated and thanked the MQM for highlighting the issue.
Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj from Khanewal censured the PML-N saying that on one hand the Punjab Assembly had not allowed a debate over his party’s resolution on the issue, and on the other hand the N-leaguers in the National Assembly say they do not oppose the creation of new provinces.
However, PML-N’s Murtaza Javed Abbasi from Abbottabad said his party was not against creation of new provinces, but asked for a commission to be constituted for a solution.
(Read: More subas? — II)
Published in The Express Tribune, January 7th, 2012.
COMMENTS (22)
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Mr. Rabbani & Co. dealt a severe blow to the democratic process in the country when they eliminated the need for elections within the political parties and gave unbridled powers to non-elected party heads. This under-handed action undermined the very essence of the constitution and the fundamental rights enshrined in it. Our leaders keep repeating the mantra of democracy but fail to take any concrete steps towards empowerment of the people. Rather, they block any attempt towards devolution of power so that they continue to enjoy their privileged positions. Any politician who supports virtual dictatorship and cconcentration of power with a few, unelected individuals cannot be considered a democrat.
Ignorent Parliamentarians moved a resolution which itself is agaisnt the constitution and under the constitution could not be moved as it amounts to interfarance in provincial autonomy. Well Done Mr. Raza Rabbani, for fair guidance. Legislatures are supposed to know the basic provisions of constitution instead of playing with emotions of innocent people of their constituencies.
Its called bearocracy bast when they all say we dont object then crictisized MQM sponsor bill i will really appersiated MQM for its strugle for Hazra province and in karachi we will vote MQM from now on.
I must say these english speaking people sitting in Karachi dominate these newpapers comments area completly ignoring what is happening in rest of sindh and country and try to force there will. please learn to respect provincial autonomy.
It is high time we listen and accomodate and respect our only agreed constitution.
TWo more provinces in punjab total 75 seats in senate vs 75 senate seats for balochistan, sindh and pkaktunkhwa. plus 25 for hazara. iS the federation ready for this.
Making new provinces should be done in accordance with1973 constitution and after good discussion.
Dont make hollow slogans?
who will decide boundries? if hasty decisions are made there will be hatered and bloodshed. for godsake talk sense if people of hazara and sariaki want provinces out side constitution than who will guarntee there rule
Rule of law is - people rights on top. There are no rule of "constitution" there thugs, murderer and terrorists who planted bomb on person leg and withdraws money from bank got immunities just because he is present. Secondly why don't NA pass a resolution and send this PA floor to work on it and once its approve at PA level send it back NA then subsequently to Senate floor. Only problem is PA would not discuss this at all due there own political pockets which is indeed evident from last 63. Good luck to Hazara and Saraki brothers one day you will get your rights and able to govern, uses resources and creates jobs the way you want it!
MQM is playing very cheap. they have no interests whatsoever with Hazara. \in fact their hiddent agenda is two frong. One to brow beat the ANP and 2ndly pave the way for creating \jinnah por.
Hi,PPPP come on clear.Either you are with us(Saraikistan) or against us like PMLN.You d'not have any other choice;Stop playing with our sentiments.
Saraikistan is our right.Enough of our exploitation.We want live prosperous life like people have in Lahore or Central Punjab.Long live Pakistan.
Best thing would be to establish a commission for creating more provinces.
After current statement of Mr. RB, it is crystal clear that any discussion in National assembly is unlawful and against the spirit of provincial autonomy. Sind is historic province and It has not encroached an inch of any other's land, nor it will let any one do it. People of Sindh welcome people from different provinces and immigrants from other countries to come and prosper in Sindh but we are NEVER ready to tolerate any plan to play with territorial integrity of Sindh. We are not occupied territory, our fundamental right over our land, resources, culture and language should be respected.We are integral part of federation and those centrist mind people should understand that Sindh will RESIST it and they can go any length to protect their territorial integrity.
It was rightly put by Mr.Rabbani that NA is not at all a right forum for the moment for this issue. As per rule of business, first of all, provincial assemblies should debate and they pass any demographic change in their area through 2/3 majority. and then comes the turn for NA. If center interfere or dictate any province, it is against the spirit of provincial autonomy. A consensus on Sairaki province should be reached through dialogue and confidence building measures. In Punjab Assembly, PPP, PMLN and PMLQ members should sit together and find some amicable solution for this problem. Because this is very serious issue and if not handled well, it can bring damage to federation. Rule of thumb: Respect the rule of law, follow the guidelines laid in constitution, and find amicable and win-win solution.And people of Siraiki belt and Hazara should stay aware of exploiters who have no seats in Punjab Assembly and KP and they are using this issue out of proportion to achieve their hidden agenda.
Seraiki sooba zaroori hai .We want seraiki province .Our deprivation will not end until we get our province .We donot want to be governed by lahore.
Seraiki sooba .zindabad .Pakistan paindabad .thank u Muttahida for raising our voice .
I do not understand what is wrong with division of provinces. If smaller provinces mean betterment of people than why not do it. I lived in Rawalpindi and a punjab govenrment employ has to travel about 4 hours to travel to Lahore if he wants to solve an issue related to his employment or something else. From far away areas in southern Punjab it would take triple this time. This issue should not be about ethinicity rather about solving peoples problems and making life easier for them.
General Election are comming soon thats why all NA members want become hero to get the votes from their consistacies. Be ready for more DRAMS from so-called "parlimentarians"
Seraikis want Seraikistan otherwise they don't believe in any Pakistan. How on earth anyone can deny right of self governance to 70 million people. Punjabi and Pushtun abakars in Seraiki area fear loosing millions of acres of land that they grabbed as Mafia.
good work MQM .We want a seraiki province for solve our problem .We now know who our friends and who our enemy .mqm zindabad.
why is there even a problem on creating more provinces in the first place. how can we speak of the rights of kashmiris when we are not willing to accede to the demands of of the people who are already part of Pakistan?. give them their rights or better get ready for more balouchistans.
well said Raza sir. We want some more people like you who can actually speak the truth without any fear :)
Well done Raza Rabbani. That is what i have been saying in other relevant post the this bill of MQM is against provincial autonomy.
This is against the basic nature of 1973 constitution.
I expect same from people like zafar ali shah, nawab talpur etc.
Sindh has to act now or be ready for future division