Recently, the commission for new provinces has been set up to look into the matter of creating two new provinces, southern Punjab and Bahawalpur. It is a nice step taken by the president to solve this long debate and cater the emerging demand of people after thorough considerations. The beginning went a little odd as the PML-N backtracked and no members from Punjab assembly were nominated though their participation is quite important as it is the governing party of Punjab, one of the mainstream parties of the country, and a constitutional requirement. The scope of the commission needs to be widened. It should discuss creating provinces all around the country, if need be, instead of singling out Punjab. What about the Hazara province, and so on. The idea first lifted from there. Such important issue should be dealt with much care and considerations. It should be for the betterment and solidification of the whole country and not for political gains. New provinces should be made for better administration so that the grievances of the people of such areas are dealt with. The views of the civil society and intelligentsia of the country must also be taken by that commission before finalizing the recommendations.
NADIA EHSAN
Lahore