Gohar warns dividing Sindh would weaken federation

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has warned that dividing Sindh without the consent of its people would weaken the federation, calling for broad consultation before any decision on the creation of new provinces.
Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court on Monday, Gohar said the establishment of new provinces was a serious matter and should not be pursued through controversial legislation or in haste.
The debate over restructuring the country’s administrative map has intensified in recent weeks, with ruling allies the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) appearing divided over the matter.
Last week, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said new administrative units will eventually be created, insisting that no one can stop the process, while reiterating his call for a “reset” of the country’s system. Similarly, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal had proposed creating 12 to 15 provinces and called for a national political debate, arguing that the country’s four existing provinces have become increasingly centralised.
The issue has particularly sharpened in Sindh, where opposition to any division of the province has grown alongside competing calls for administrative devolution.
The Sindh Assembly has rejected proposals to alter the province’s boundaries or create new administrative units, while the PPP leadership has reiterated its opposition to any division of Sindh.
In today’s media interaction, Gohar said serious consultation, similar to that undertaken for the 18th Amendment, should precede any decision on creating new provinces.