In the case of Punjab, the PML-N is not just important by virtue of being the country’s second largest mainstream party but because it also runs the province’s government. Thus it was disconcerting to see the centre’s dismissive attitude vis-à-vis the PML-N, with one federal minister indicating that the process would continue “even if the PML-N does not participate in the process and if the Punjab Assembly does not nominate its members (for the newly-convened commission)”. Another federal minister has said that the commission was formed in light of the Punjab Assembly’s own resolution on the matter. However, it can have little value if the PML-N does not nominate members to it because any decision made by it will not have wide backing, something that is essential for a matter as sensitive as forming a new province.
It is worth mentioning that the PPP seems to be banking on gaining votes in southern Punjab, and to perhaps undercut even the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf , by strongly backing a new province there. That said, it is also fair to say that any other party would have done the same, prior to an election year, but that doesn’t justify the approach. If the government approaches the PML-N again and takes their reservations into consideration, the PML-N may end its boycott. In a democracy, it is integral that an important decision like making new provinces is made through parliament and by taking all sides on board, especially the opposition.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 30th, 2012.
COMMENTS (12)
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The foreign puppets have begun the destruction of Pakistan. The four original provinces of Pakistan and the four territories are enough. we don't need any more provinces, what we have is enough
The first province which should be bifurcated should be Balochistan which is seeing ethnic cleansing carried out by BLA, BRA and a host of terrorist organizations. Pashtuns along side settlers and Hazaras can live a peaceful life if the demands of Pashtuns is accepted. This will strenghten the State of Pakistan and resolve the problems of the people. In the interest of Pakistan, and meet the demand of the people, the decision of 1970 be reversed. Pashtuns should be givenback their Jonubi Pashtunkhwa province
@Fed Up Indian: I couldnt agree with you more.
India has become about caste and ethnic politics - this is very sad. Mayawati in UP is a case in point . She gets elected simply on basis of her caste ...
We don't want the politics of Punjab to go in that direction. No, not at all.
PML N needs to pass another resolution clearly against bifurcation of Punjab .
The fact is Sharif want to rule S. Punjab from the Lahore Throne and keep it under their thumb. The imp thing is not what PPP, Sharif, or other parties want but what do the people of S. Punjab want? Obviously nobody wants to find that out. While we do not stop talking about the will of the Kashmiri we do not want the will of the people of S. Punjab. The upper Punjab is obviously not in favor of the rights of S. Punjab and would oppose it in any direct or indirect means. There must be a new province of S. Punjab if the people of that area demand it otherwise not.
Formation of new provinces is inevitable and will happen sooner or later.
ET , please stop showing this map !!!!
It's highly inappropriate to say the least
That said, it is also fair to say that any other party would have done the same, prior to an election year, but that doesn’t justify the approach.
ET is wrong !!! No other party would stoop so low ad to play ethnic card ( except MQM and ANP ).
Punjab does not wants it's divide PMLN knows that.in order not to annoy some section of southern punjab pmln can not oppose this demand openly so they have to adopt a clever strategy to sabotage this political stunt of ppp.The easiest way to avoid divide of punjab is to complicate the process by forming committees and passing resolutions with intentionaly puting ambugities in resolutions.So far pmln has been succesfull..The stunt of potohar province by pmln is another such move.Divide of punjab doesn't seem materialising in coming future.
Panjab is Mian Sharifs, Nawaz and Shahbaz, Jagir. They can do whatever they want.
Having experienced many state bifurcations in India, I can tell Pakistanis that though it was initially beneficial (by allocating states according to major ethnic groups like Tamils, Telegus, Mizos, Gujaratis, Nagas, Punjabis, etc.), the more recent 'requests' for division of states like Bihar-Jharkhand and the ongoing Andhra Pradesh-Telengana issue occur mainly because a bunch of corrupted politicians and oligarchs want a pie of the new state. For example, every state would need an entire administrative mechanism, including ministers, services and related employment, and a set of rules, plus a legislative assembly. The powerful just want to cash in on the free-for-all, become a part of the new expanded political setup and continue extracting whatever wealth they can from the people who need it the most. As for this issue I can say that though it will enable greater equality between the Pakistani Ethnic Groups/Provinces and reduce the stranglehold the Punjabi administration, the (mostly) Punjabi Army and Punjabis in general have on the country, the disadvantage will be in a large (probably lethal) dosage of corruption in the new province leading to a situation already worse than what currently exists.
PP should agree as it is very logical, rationale and balanced advice.