"We should not open Pandora’s box, whose consequences can’t be controlled later," says Mushahid Hussain.
The government triumphed in its attempt to pass the new province bill (24th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2013) in the Senate on Wednesday, bringing it one step closer to the creation of a new province in Punjab.
The bill, which must be passed by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament and approved also by Punjab Assembly before the president can sign it into law, smoothly sailed through the upper house – just days before National and the provincial assemblies complete their constitutional terms.
Be that as it may, the victory in the Senate is merely half the battle since the toughest legs for the bill lie ahead with stiff resistance expected in the National Assembly, where the government does not have the required two-thirds majority. If passed by the National Assembly, the bill will then be tabled in the Punjab Assembly.
It was not all smooth sailing during Wednesday’s proceedings. As expected, members belonging to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), National Party (NP) and an independent senator from south Punjab, Mohsin Leghari staged walkouts to protest what they called a “political stunt” to lure voters in the upcoming polls.
“It [24th Amendment] is nothing but a political drama for 2013 general elections,” said Senator Ishaq Dar, adding that even though he is leader of the opposition in the Senate he was never approached for consultation on the issue.
Senator Mohsin Leghari argued that there was no constitutional provision for the creation of a new province. “If you want to carve a new province in Punjab then you will have to amend the Constitution first. Article239 only refers to the alteration of any province, which means that boundaries of any province could be altered but no new province can be created,” said Leghari.
PML-Q Senator Mushahid Hussain advised the government to be cautious while making decisions on the creation of a new province. “We should not open a Pandora’s box, whose consequences cannot be controlled later,” said Hussain.
“When you [government] cannot create new provinces then why you are playing politics with innocent people,” said National Party Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo.
In defence of the bill, Senator Farhatullah Babar, who was also the chairman of the new provinces commission, said the government’s move was a conscious and deliberate political initiative to address the genuine grievances and deprivations of the people of south Punjab.
“It is the right time to decide on a separate province. A decision delayed is not a problem avoided, it is a crisis invited,” said Babar.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement was the only opposition party which supported the bill while lawmakers from the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid, Awami National Party and Balochistan National Party-Awami cast their votes in favour of the bill tabled by Law Minister Farooq H Naek.
Pakistan Muslim League-Functional and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl were not present during voting when 70 out of the 104 senators cast their vote in favour of the constitutional amendment.
The Defence Housing Authority Islamabad Bill, 2013, which provides for the establishment of a Defense Housing Authority in Islamabad, was also passed in Senate on Wednesday.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 7th, 2013.
COMMENTS (10)
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Before making highflying comments about making or not making new provinces, could some one visit the opinion of the people of Saraiki area and ask them if their rights are not being usurped by Lahore. Sraiki Punjab contributes to about 45% of Punjab’s economy, whereas till recently hardly 10% was being spent over there for development purposes. Anyone is welcome to visit Southern Punjab and notice the roads and communication, and then Bhawalpur area and notice the narrow broken down roads even the famous main avenues. Visit the Govt offices in Saraeki belt and notice majority officers and even lower grade employees and peons are from outside Southern Punjab. All the opinion makers and high and low flying real and pseudo-politicians and columnists should first talk to the people of these areas demanding separate entities, look into the ADPs (Annual Development Programs) of Punjab for the past 10 – 20 years and notice the huge discrepancy in the revenue generation of Seraiki areas . Notice the discrepancy in jobs allocation, number of ministers from these areas, conditions of living, health sector, education etc etc. If the people of these areas demand better control on their assets and earnings then why is everyone so angry at these underserved and abused people?. Why to blame opposition party for hatching conspiracies against them? Why to show reluctance while fulfilling the legitimate demand of Saraeki people.
This is a great initiative by Federal government. i appreciate it.. Punjab is highest populated province of Pakistan. now and on ward it would be a starting of development and fair distribution of funds for the deprived people of south,
Eventually Senate approved leaving rest of the job to be done by new National assembly. Looking Sind giving birth to South Sind Province in line with South Punjab Province, a long cherished dream of every Urdu speaker including those settled in Punjab and K.P.
I feel smaller states are better to control and manage . Both Pak and India should be split into smaller states .
Election stunt of PPP. They are not sincere with people of the area. They are doing just to get maximum votes. Nothing else.
Well if punjab is carved on ethnic lines it will be the end of Pakistan as we know it.
People in Punjab are eagerly waiting for elections to tell these Thugs what People in Punjab think about Punjab.
Indeed a historic day for the neglected and oppressed people of South Punjab region. Although the creation of this province seems unlikely at this point of time due to the PML-N duplicity. But new provinces are indispensable if Pakistan is to move forward in the right direction.
In last ten days, what are these guys doing? They better start packing and go home. Those who are dual nationals should rather head to their adopted homeland. They all be getting wrath from people very soon and for most of their political career is over as they have nothing to show what they did in last five years.