Senator claims mechanism already exists as debate over new administrative units gains political momentum
ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Senator Kamran Murtaza has said Pakistan’s Constitution already provides a mechanism for creating new provinces, arguing that additional administrative units could therefore be established whenever the required constitutional process is completed.
Speaking to the media amid a growing national debate over new provinces, Murtaza said the constitutional framework for reorganising provincial boundaries has existed for years.
Moreover, the senator claimed that a decision to move towards creating new provinces had effectively been taken. He said the process would involve the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and a nationwide referendum. However, he provided no timeline, official notification or other documentary evidence supporting the claim.
Boundary disputes could complicate process
Murtaza acknowledged that creating new provinces could trigger disagreements over constituencies, boundaries and demographic representation.
He said different communities and nationalities could demand inclusion in particular administrative units, while others might seek separation. Consequently, authorities would have to carefully address political, ethnic and administrative concerns during any restructuring process.
Meanwhile, discussing the ruling coalition, Murtaza described the partnership between its constituent parties as effectively a “forced marriage.”
Senator addresses judiciary and JUI-F position
Turning to judicial appointments, Murtaza said the Constitution gives the President authority to confirm judges’ appointments. Therefore, he argued, the President should be allowed to exercise that constitutional power. Otherwise, he said, affected parties could seek judicial intervention.
Murtaza also rejected reports about controversial remarks attributed to JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, saying the party leader had made no such statement.
He stressed that JUI-F does not oppose Pakistan, its Constitution or state institutions. Instead, he said Fazlur Rehman has consistently maintained that the country and its institutions must operate according to constitutional provisions.
The senator’s comments add to a widening political debate following recent statements from government and opposition leaders concerning Pakistan’s administrative structure and possible creation of additional provinces.
