Key Takeaways
- Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry announced that the National Assembly and Senate will debate new provinces in October.
- The debate will be held during the next session of parliament, following Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's call for administrative reforms.
- Islamabad will retain its federal status and a legislative assembly will be formed to improve governance.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has confirmed that the National Assembly and Senate will debate the issue of new provinces in October, during the next session of parliament.
Addressing the corporate sector in late July, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had called for the creation of new provinces or administrative units, citing the collapse of the current system.
Chaudhry stated that parliament is the proper forum for such discussions, as it has representation from all four provinces, ensuring that every decision is made after consultations with political parties.
The minister expressed hope that a 'healthy discussion' would be held on the topic during the upcoming session, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.
Chaudhry clarified that Islamabad would not become a province and would retain its federal status, with efforts to improve its governance model by forming a legislative assembly.
He added that a five-member committee appointed by the prime minister had prepared a draft for this purpose, which would be shared with political parties and other stakeholders for consultation.
The draft proposes a legislative body with all relevant institutions under the supervision of a chief executive or mayor in Islamabad, maintaining the city's federal status.
Chaudhry maintained that he was in contact with other political parties and would hold consultations to incorporate positive recommendations into the draft.
The debate on new provinces is expected to be held during the sessions of the National Assembly and Senate in October, following the minister's confirmation.
Parliament can hold a debate on any topic — the National Assembly has representation from all four provinces, while the Senate has equal representation from each province. Every decision made here would be taken after consultations with all political parties.
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Parliamentary Affairs Minister
I am hopeful that before making a decision on forming new provinces or administrative units in the provinces, we will bring forward Islamabad’s governance model as a formal act.
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Parliamentary Affairs Minister
