ISLAMABAD: The ongoing debate over the creation of new provinces in Pakistan has taken another turn as Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has stated that establishing new provinces would be a positive development if the decision is made with public approval and political consensus.
Speaking about the issue, Rana Sanaullah said that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had previously made certain remarks regarding the creation of new provinces that raised objections from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
However, he explained that the party had already responded to those remarks, and Mohsin Naqvi’s latest clarification had addressed the concerns.
According to Rana Sanaullah, Mohsin Naqvi has now made it clear that political parties will play an important role in any decision regarding new provinces. He emphasized that no political party would be excluded from the consultation process and that efforts would be made to avoid creating disagreements.
Rana Sanaullah said the most important factor was the will of the people. If citizens support the creation of new provinces, the proposal can move forward. However, if the public does not agree, new provinces should not be established against their wishes.
He welcomed the idea of making such an important decision through mutual understanding and agreement among political stakeholders.
The prime minister’s adviser further stated that reaching a consensus could take six weeks, six months, or even six years. He added that the time required was less important than ensuring that the final decision was acceptable to all concerned.
During the discussion, Rana Sanaullah also commented on the relationship between Pakistan’s political leadership and the establishment.
He said that Mohsin Naqvi’s statements reflected the position of the establishment, while the prime minister remained the political authority for his party.
According to Rana Sanaullah, Pakistan has both political and military leadership, and the two are working in coordination.
He also explained that the establishment, in a broader institutional sense, includes several state institutions, such as the judiciary and bureaucracy, rather than referring exclusively to the military.
Speaking about Pakistan’s international role, Rana Sanaullah claimed that the country was increasingly being recognized as an important contributor to regional security.
He said that other countries were entering into agreements with Pakistan related to security cooperation and protection.
According to him, Pakistan is being viewed internationally as a country capable of supporting peace and stability in the region.
The latest remarks indicate that political consultation and public consent remain central to the discussion over creating new provinces in Pakistan.
However, no final decision, official timeline, or specific plan for establishing new provinces has been announced.
The debate is expected to continue as political parties consider the administrative, constitutional, and public implications of any proposed changes to Pakistan’s provincial structure.