Key Takeaways
- Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry announced that a debate on new provinces will be held in October.
- The debate will take place in the next session of the National Assembly and the Senate.
- Islamabad will remain a federal territory and not become a province.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has confirmed that a debate on the formation of new provinces will be held in the upcoming session of the National Assembly and the Senate, scheduled for October.
Speaking to the media, Chaudhry emphasized the importance of parliamentary discourse, stating, 'if this debate about new provinces is happening in the streets and in every media house, and is being discussed by scholars and traders and chambers of commerce, then the proper forum for this discussion is the parliament.'
The minister clarified that Islamabad will continue to be a federal territory and will not become the country's fifth province, a claim he has made previously.
According to Chaudhry, the government has formed a five-member committee, comprising federal ministers, which recommended the establishment of a legislative assembly for Islamabad. This assembly would oversee administrative matters such as health and education, with a chief executive serving as the 'mayor of the assembly'.
Chaudhry added that the debate on new provinces is part of the broader effort to improve governance in Islamabad, while maintaining its federal status.
The minister stated, 'Parliament is the right forum for such a discussion, and a debate will be initiated in the next session of the National Assembly and the Senate in October.'
He further elaborated, 'When these sessions are convened, discussion on establishing new provinces will take place.'
The announcement comes as part of the ongoing discussions and consultations within the government regarding the future administrative structure of Pakistan.
if this debate about new provinces is happening in the streets and in every media house, and is being discussed by scholars and traders and chambers of commerce, then the proper forum for this discussion is the parliament.
Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Parliamentary Affairs Minister
Islamabad cannot become a province and is not going to become one.
Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Parliamentary Affairs Minister
