Positive Stance of Political Leaders on New Provinces is Encouraging, Says Abdul Aleem Khan
ISLAMABAD: The viewpoint of Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal in the establishment of new administrative units and provinces has been welcomed by Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) President Abdul Aleem Khan.
In the national discussion, Abdul Aleem Khan said the creation of new provinces should be based on the administrative needs, and not linguistic and cultural bases. He said that the continuous political debate over the issue of the creation of new provinces between different political parties is a positive development, noting that the new provinces are the future of the country and its citizens and not any one political party.
Administrative Focus and Institutional Requirements
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal’s “reasoned discourse” offers good food for thought, the IPP President said. He emphasized that political differences constitute the beauty of democracy, noting that the Pakistan Peoples Party has taken a different stance on the issue of giving new provinces, while at the same time, the provincial assemblies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have passed resolutions in support of the new provinces.
Aleem Khan stated that the only way to address public grievances quickly is to create new administrative units, with functional governance. He emphasized that the system of administration needs to be modernized in accordance with the realities of today’s time, 80 years after Independence.
IPP’s Position on Hazara province and National Dialogue
In reiterating the official stance of his party, Khan said the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party has already formally supported the formation of a Hazara province in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He ended by saying that he is willing to meet with all stakeholders and listen to all views in developing a wide consensus on the issue of new administrative units.