Speaking in an interview, Sanaullah said any progress on the issue should be made through Parliament, allowing all political parties to openly present their positions. He stressed the need for a comprehensive debate rather than rushing decisions or prioritising political interests.
He said building consensus on the creation of new provinces was important because such decisions could have implications for the country’s constitutional, administrative and political structure.
Discussing the possibility of a constitutional amendment, Sanaullah said that any new amendment following the 18th Constitutional Amendment would be the 28th Constitutional Amendment. He said the proposed amendment’s scope should first be clarified, including which matters would be covered.
He added that it needed to be determined whether the creation of new provinces would be included in the proposed amendment or whether it would address other national and constitutional issues.
The prime minister’s adviser said consultations and negotiations between the federal government and provinces continued on various matters. However, he maintained that the creation of new provinces should not become part of routine political bargaining.
According to Sanaullah, public aspirations, national interests and constitutional requirements should remain central to any decision regarding provincial boundaries and governance.
He said bargaining over the issue of new provinces would amount to injustice to the country. He urged political parties to approach the matter seriously and use parliamentary debate to find a solution that could secure broader consensus.
Rana Sanaullah Calls for Development and Security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Responding to a question about the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sanaullah said the prime minister had directed that comprehensive measures be taken to promote the province’s development.
He said development activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should be advanced while supporting the armed forces in their ongoing efforts against terrorism.
Sanaullah emphasised that national cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the province’s development were both important. He said efforts to ensure peace and stability should go hand in hand with attention to public welfare and development needs.
His remarks highlighted the government’s stated priorities regarding the creation of new provinces, the possible scope of a constitutional amendment, and development and security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He maintained that any decision on new provinces should take into account parliamentary debate, political consultation and public aspirations.
