Whatever Situation Arises Regarding Provinces Will Be Implemented, Says Defence Minister Khawaja Asif
ISLAMABAD: Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has reiterated that any political and constitutional arrangement that comes out on the creation of new provinces will be adopted, saying that public welfare is above party interests.
In an informal meeting with newsmen outside Parliament House, Khawaja Asif said that the Pakistan People Party (PPP) had its own stance and it was just as right as other parties to voice its opinion, but the country and the public’s interest would be the top priority.
Owais supported the establishment of Administrative Units in Islamabad.Owais advocated Administrative Units in Islamabad.
Minister of Defence proposed to create new administrative models/units preferably from the beginning in Islamabad, the federal capital. It will create a practical precedent if a sovereign legislative assembly or autonomous provincial-style government is set up in the federal territory,” he said.
If an administrative unit were established at the federal level, then it would be simpler for provinces to do so, Asif noted, pointing to the fact that many countries, such as India, have distinct governance systems or administrations for their capitals.
A strengthening of the Federation, and tackling the terminology.
There was no reason to be hesitant in establishing administrative units, Khawaja Asif said, adding that it would be compared to neighboring Afghanistan which has been divided into 34 provinces despite facing administrative difficulties. He said he hoped to see new administrative units in the future that would reinforce the federation.
Considering the political sensitivities surrounding the use of the word “provinces” the defence minister proposed a more acceptable and viable alternative to the word “provinces,” namely “administrative unit” to meet the political consensus.