LAHORE - As a first constitutional step required for making a new province, the PML-Q has submitted a resolution in the Punjab Assembly demanding creation of a new province in Punjab.
PML-Q parliamentary leader Ch Zaheer-ud-Din submitted the resolution in the assembly secretariat on Friday, which is likely to be taken up in the Assembly session due on August 11. When contacted, Ch Zaheer confirmed the submission of resolution and expressed hope that it would get passed by two-third majority, as no political force could afford to lose its vote bank in 11 districts, which might fall under the jurisdiction of a new province of South Punjab.
When asked if the resolution was opposed, he said: “The chances of opposing the resolution are bleak, as the opposition in the Punjab Assembly will go for voting if the Treasury opposed it.” He added: “If the resolution is passed by two-third majority from the House, the same would be sent to the federal government with the recommendation of carving out a new province in South Punjab.”
Talking to TheNation, veteran politician from Bahawalpur and PML-Q’s federal minister Riaz Hussain Pirzada said the political forces which would oppose the idea of a new province would cause serious damage to their vote bank in next elections in southern parts of the province.
He questioned that what harm could come by creating new provinces on administrative basis.
Some political forces are vying for creation of a new province consisting Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Bahawalnagar, Vehari, Khanewal, Leyyah, Bhakkar, Jhang and Mianwali districts.
