The parliamentary commission for creation of new provinces in Punjab on Monday sought recommendations from all parties regarding chalking out new units in the coming 10 days, despite a continued boycott by PML-N representatives.
The members representing 12 political parties met commission chairman Farhatullah Babar to finalise the rules and regulations for the commission. However, the PML-N representatives avoided participating in the sitting of the commission and continued their boycott. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khurshid Shah exclusively participated in the sitting.
A source informed Pakistan Today that the members were asked to submit their recommendations and suggestions in connection with the creation of two new provinces within the next 10 days.
The decision was also made to summon the coming sitting of the commission by next week. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Farhatullah Babar said the commission initiated its working after the Punjab Assembly passed a joint resolution favouring the creation of two new provinces, adding that there was no justification for the PML-N boycott anymore.
He said the PML-N should review its strategy, as boycotts never provided solutions. “The PML-N leaders should participate in the meetings of the commission and should give their recommendations and suggestions in this connection.”
To a query, Babar said no timeframe could be given for the creation of the new provinces, but it was working speedily and would soon forward recommendations to parliament.
“After the recommendations are forwarded, it will be the task of parliament to alter the constitution,” he added.
MQM’s Farooq Sattar said the struggle of the people of south Punjab would end in success.
ANP’s Haji Adeel said the Punjab Assembly had no right to pass a resolution regarding other provinces, as it was only possible if the “one-unit system” was restored.
Federal Minister Syed Khurshid Shah told reporters that Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would not contest the up-coming general election because of his age, adding that he would appear in the by-polls later.
Elaborating further, Shah said Bilawal would kick start his formal political career by addressing the PPP rally to commemorate former party chief Benazir Bhutto’s martyrdom on December 27 at Garhi Khuda Buksh.
Regarding the caretaker set up, the minister said a “surprise” would soon be coming after completion of consultation with Leader of the Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.
Shah suggested the Supreme Court should revisit its decision for re-mapping constituencies in Karachi.
Commission on new provinces finalises rules despite PML-N boycott
