Shafaqna Pakistan: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said the creation of new provinces or administrative units is a national issue that should not face opposition, arguing that such arrangements could strengthen both the federation and the provinces.
Speaking to the media at Parliament House on Monday, Asif said he had no information about any specific proposal for creating new administrative units.
He welcomed the idea of establishing an independent governing institution for Islamabad, whether in the form of an assembly, provincial government or capital administration, noting that similar systems operate in several world capitals.
Asif added that he was unaware of any discussion on the proposal within his party or of any meeting chaired by the prime minister on the matter.
He argued that if such a system were introduced at the federal level, provinces should also consider adopting it without hesitation.
Referring to Afghanistan, he said the country had expanded the number of provinces and that former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani had told him the move had improved public service delivery.
Calling the issue a national matter, Asif said political interests should not determine the outcome.
He suggested using the term “administrative unit” rather than “province” to avoid confusion.
He added that the Sindh government had the right to take its own position, while the priority should be ensuring effective services at the grassroots level.
