PML-N leader and Prime Minister’s aide Rana Sanaullah said on Sunday that parliamentary debate on the creation of new provinces could take up to eight months if a formal proposal is presented before parliament.
Speaking to journalists, he said all political parties and lawmakers would have an opportunity to give their views if the proposal reached parliament. The matter could subsequently be referred to a parliamentary or standing committee for detailed deliberation.
Sanaullah said there was still considerable time before the issue of provincial restructuring formally came before parliament. He added that discussions could potentially result in proposals for new administrative units or trigger debate on local government elections.
The PML-N leader also questioned the decision to raise the issue at an economic forum, saying such platforms were not intended for initiating major constitutional or political changes.
He said there had been no major proposal from the PML-N advocating the division of provinces, adding that the party had not initiated the project.
On the question of Bahawalpur, Sanaullah said the PML-N’s local leadership in Punjab did not support including the region in a proposed South Punjab province. He said some party members supported the creation of a separate Bahawalpur province, while others preferred retaining its existing administrative link with Lahore.
He also said the Pakistan Peoples Party had gained political advantage from the debate over provincial restructuring, with its workers becoming emotionally invested in the issue.
Referring to the controversial canal project, Sanaullah said President Asif Ali Zardari had initially supported its construction, but the PPP later mobilised opposition that eventually led to the project being halted.
Asked about reports of back-channel contacts with PTI founder Imran Khan, Sanaullah said such communication could be taking place but warned that any decision to pursue that course would carry political consequences.
On reported differences involving the federal interior minister, he said the minister could explain his position when appearing before the cabinet or Senate. Sanaullah also disputed claims that Federal Minister Sheikh Qaiser had not met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying the minister met the premier regularly in his presence.
“Some matters are meant for deliberation. Everything should not be made public,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Punjab Assembly Chief Whip Rana Muhammad Arshad and several PML-N leaders, along with senior journalists.
