ISLAMABAD: PML-N’s Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf renewed his demand for the creation of Hazara province to fulfill the old promise with the people of Hazara. Federal Minister described it as the longstanding constitutional right of Hazara people in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Minister for Religious Affairs stated this while addressing a press conference at the National Press Club, Islamabad.
Furthermore, he urged the government to begin the parliamentary and constitutional process without further delay.
Growing Support for Hazara Province
Speaking at the National Press Club, Yousaf said the Hazara Province Movement has continued for the past 16 years. Senator Talha Mahmood, former MNA Murtaza Javed Abbasi, MNA Babar Nawaz Khan, Syeda Sonia Shah and other leaders also attended the press conference.
Yousaf said the people of Hazara had made significant sacrifices for the cause. He added that the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly had passed three resolutions supporting the proposal. Moreover, bills seeking the province’s creation have already been introduced in both the National Assembly and the Senate.
He stressed that the demand represents the collective voice of Hazara Division rather than a single political party. According to him, Pakistan’s growing population and administrative challenges make new provinces necessary. Smaller administrative units, he argued, would improve governance, accelerate development, ensure efficient resource use and strengthen public service delivery.
Leaders Seek Parliamentary Action
Senator Talha Mahmood called for a national consensus on creating new provinces. He claimed political parties usually support the idea in opposition but overlook it after assuming power.
Meanwhile, Murtaza Javed Abbasi said the Hazara province bill remains pending before a parliamentary committee. He urged the government to advance the legislation. Babar Nawaz Khan also highlighted Hazara’s natural resources, hydropower potential, minerals, industries and tax revenues. He said the proposed province would be economically strong and administratively sustainable.
Last week, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also reignited the debate by calling for the creation of new provinces to address governance challenges.
