Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Senator Rana Sanaullah, has said that the decision to create new provinces in Pakistan rests with Parliament. He also addressed the possibility of further constitutional amendments, the distribution of powers to local governments, political differences with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and concerns surrounding former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s health and prison meetings.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Rana Sanaullah discussed several major political and constitutional issues currently under debate in Pakistan.
He emphasized that any decision regarding the creation of new provinces must be taken through the parliamentary process rather than through political announcements alone.
Who Will Decide Whether Pakistan Gets New Provinces?
Rana Sanaullah explained that Parliament is the appropriate forum for deciding whether new provinces should be established.
He questioned the practicality of introducing legislation immediately while delaying its implementation until after the next general elections.
According to him, Parliament would also determine whether a referendum should be held on the issue.
If lawmakers decide to conduct a referendum, Parliament would be responsible for determining the exact question presented to the public.
His remarks indicate that the creation of new provinces remains a matter requiring constitutional and political consideration, with no final decision announced.
What Did Rana Sanaullah Say About the 28th Constitutional Amendment?
Discussing constitutional reforms, Rana Sanaullah recalled the extensive political negotiations that took place before the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
He said political parties spent approximately one and a half months holding consultations with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
According to Sanaullah, individual provisions of the amendment were discussed in detail before political agreement was reached.
He further stated that the establishment of a constitutional court through the 27th Constitutional Amendment was connected to an unfinished part of the earlier constitutional reform agenda.
The government, he explained, prefers to secure the required parliamentary support before formally introducing a constitutional amendment.
However, he clarified that the government has not yet made preparations to begin consultations regarding a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment.
Is Creating New Provinces the Only Solution?
Rana Sanaullah also raised questions about the distribution of administrative and financial powers in Pakistan.
He said the 18th Constitutional Amendment transferred significant powers from the federal government to the provinces, but provincial authorities had not adequately transferred those powers to local governments.
According to him, the central challenge is ensuring that decision-making authority and financial resources reach communities at the grassroots level.
He suggested that stronger local government institutions, smaller administrative units, and improved financial arrangements could help address this issue.
Sanaullah also proposed a system similar to the National Finance Commission (NFC) for distributing resources within provinces.
Under such an arrangement, Provincial Finance Commissions (PFCs) could help ensure that funds reach union councils and other local administrative bodies.
He questioned how local governments could become genuinely effective without appropriate constitutional protection.
Political Disagreement With Maulana Fazlur Rehman
During the interview, Rana Sanaullah also discussed the controversy surrounding a security cabin and generator located outside Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence.
He argued that Pakistan should focus on major national challenges, particularly terrorism, rather than allowing such disputes to dominate political discussions.
Sanaullah said he had visited Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence several times and had not personally experienced any obstruction caused by the security arrangements.
He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had also visited the residence.
According to him, if the cabin or generator was creating difficulties for the public, the matter could be resolved through discussion.
He also stated that the issue of notices reportedly issued to Maulana Fazlur Rehman had not been discussed by the prime minister or other participants during the cabinet meeting.
Sanaullah emphasized that political disagreements should be expressed respectfully, even when parties hold opposing views.
He called for restraint in political language and suggested that intervention at the prime ministerial level could help resolve the disagreement.
What Did Rana Sanaullah Say About Imran Khan’s Health?
The prime minister’s adviser also responded to questions regarding former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan’s health and prison visitation arrangements.
Sanaullah claimed that meetings with Imran Khan could resume if PTI representatives stopped what he described as the misuse of information obtained during such visits.
Referring to a meeting involving lawyer Salman Safdar, he disputed reports suggesting that Imran Khan had experienced increased blood pressure.
According to Sanaullah, there was no such blood pressure problem, and he maintained that the former prime minister was receiving appropriate medical attention.
He further stated that any treatment recommended by doctors would be provided without delay.
However, these statements represent Rana Sanaullah’s position, and the supplied report does not include independent medical findings confirming Imran Khan’s current health condition.
What Happens Next?
Rana Sanaullah’s remarks have brought attention to several important questions concerning Pakistan’s political and administrative future.
The debate over new provinces remains closely linked to constitutional requirements, parliamentary support, and the distribution of powers between federal, provincial, and local institutions.
His comments also suggest that the government has not yet finalized any proposal for a 28th Constitutional Amendment.
Meanwhile, disagreements among political leaders and questions surrounding Imran Khan’s prison meetings remain separate issues requiring further political and administrative decisions.
For now, the key question is whether Pakistan’s political parties will reach an agreement on creating new provinces or focus instead on strengthening local governments and transferring more resources to communities.
Any final decision regarding new provinces will require the relevant constitutional and parliamentary processes.