Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani has committed to make Seraiki province as a part of PPP manifesto. Spokesperson to the President, Farhatullah Babar has also said that PPP manifesto committee would also examine the proposal of creating a separate Seraiki province in the light of the demands made by the people. There are also demands for Hazara and Bahawalpur provinces. If it is the demand of the people, then the best course is to hold referendum which is a constitutional way.
The demand for a separate province is not going to stop here. This will provide sufficient ground for division of Sindh and Balochistan. Our policies should not be short-sighted. I am personally not against making more provinces but our parliament should first establish a principle for the creation of a new province. If Seraiki speaking people can demand and get a separate province, why not Hindko speaking of Hazara, Pakhtoon of Balochistan, Urdu speaking of Sindh and Potohar in Punjab be allowed to have their separate provinces?
Once this process starts, the PPP would not be able to stop division of Sindh despite their strong opposition.
SHAHBAZ MUNIR
Lahore