Constitution silent on creation of new provinces: Haji Adeel

Says dozens of articles will have to be reframed which is not possible in the present political divide.

PESHAWAR: As the debate over new provinces heats up, Awami National Party’s Senator Haji Adeel has said that there is no provision in the constitution for creation of new provinces in the country.

“Despite the enactment of the 18^th and 19^th constitutional amendment, there is no provision on creating new provinces,” Adeel, who is also ANP’s senior vice president, told party workers on Tuesday.

Referring to a bill tabled by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement in the National Assembly, he said that neither the provincial assemblies, nor the parliament can create new provinces. “Article 239 (4) do not discuss the creation of new provinces rather they talk about limitation of provinces.”

Adeel said that creation of new provinces will not be possible only through one article or through presenting a bill in parliament, drastic changes will have to be made to the constitution. “Dozens of articles will have to be reframed and that is not possible with the present political divide,” he said.