KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon has criticised Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over his recent remarks concerning the creation of new administrative units and provinces.
Responding to Khawaja Asif, Memon said the PML-N could please its political allies, but should avoid turning Sindh into a “scapegoat” in the debate over administrative restructuring.
Sindh Assembly passed eight resolutions
Sharjeel Memon said the Punjab Assembly had passed resolutions supporting the creation of a Saraiki province twice, while the Sindh Assembly had passed resolutions eight times opposing the creation of additional provinces within Sindh.
He argued that the position of Sindh’s elected representatives on the issue was therefore clear and should be respected.
“The PML-N should please its allies, but refrain from making Sindh a scapegoat,” Memon said.
His comments come amid an intensifying political debate over whether Pakistan’s existing administrative structure should be reorganised through the creation of new provinces or administrative units.
Khawaja Asif’s criticism of PPP
Khawaja Asif had earlier criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), saying that the party supported the idea of a Saraiki province in Punjab but raised the issue of “Sindhu Desh” whenever the creation of administrative units in Sindh was discussed.
The defence minister accused the PPP of following a “double standard” on the question of new administrative units.
Asif said the government would explain the PPP’s alleged contradictory position when the appropriate time came.
Political tensions over new provinces
The exchange comes as proposals for restructuring Pakistan’s administrative system have gained renewed attention.
Several federal ministers have recently discussed the possibility of creating new provinces or strengthening smaller administrative units. Supporters argue that Pakistan’s population growth and governance challenges require decentralisation and greater administrative efficiency.
The issue, however, remains particularly sensitive in Sindh. The PPP has repeatedly opposed any proposal that could lead to the division of the province, while other political forces have advocated greater decentralisation or the creation of additional administrative units.
Sharjeel Memon’s latest statement reflects the PPP’s continued insistence that Sindh’s territorial integrity should not be compromised in the name of administrative reform.
The debate is expected to intensify as political parties consider different models, ranging from new provinces to empowered local and district governments, but any formal change to provincial boundaries would require substantial political and constitutional consensus.
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