ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has opposed any rushed legislation for the creation of new provinces, saying the issue requires broad consultation and consensus to safeguard the unity of the federation.
Talking to reporters outside the Supreme Court on Monday, Gohar said the creation of new provinces was a serious matter that should be debated by all stakeholders before any legislation was introduced.
He said Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan could not be divided without the consent of elected representatives and the people of the respective areas. He called for consultations similar to those held during the passage of the 18th Amendment.
“A rushed decision on the creation of new provinces would be against the unity of the federation,” he said.
The PTI chairman also warned that unilateral decisions on the matter could trigger a strong public reaction. He said negotiations should move beyond offers and called for meaningful progress on outstanding issues.
Gohar also demanded that PTI founder Imran Khan be allowed to meet the party’s political leadership and family. He also called for meetings with Allama Raja Nasir and Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
Referring to Achakzai’s letter to the prime minister concerning the Election Commission, he urged the authorities to take notice of the matter.
Commenting on the political situation in Sindh, Gohar thanked the people of the province for warmly welcoming Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. He said the reception reflected public dissatisfaction with the status quo.
On terrorism, the PTI chairman called for avoiding political point-scoring and urged the political leadership to adopt a serious approach towards the issue.
Gohar alleged that India and its intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), were behind terrorism in Pakistan. He said civilians and security forces continued to make sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
