PPP chairman sidesteps queries on new provinces in Sindh and other regions, hinting at cautious political navigation amid growing tensions
By Faizan Khan
LAHORE: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari noted that there was already consensus in the National Assembly on some proposals for new provinces. He arrived in the provincial capital on a four-day visit, during which he was expected to reorganize the PPP’s district and divisional structures in Punjab, with around 63 party workers likely to be assigned new responsibilities.
During an interaction with media bureau chiefs, Bilawal expressed support for the creation of a new province in Punjab. He avoided direct comments on the formation of new provinces in Sindh and other regions, suggesting that new provinces should first be established where political consensus already exists, rather than pursuing a broader plan to create “20 new provinces” without agreement.
Bilawal is aware of the political challenges in Punjab, spoke cautiously about the limited space for allies and the constraints on resources at the Governor House, while at the same time offering praise for the provincial government led by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Bilawal “Before making 20 new provinces, those provinces on which there is agreement should be created first,” he said, adding that proposals already on the table should be implemented without delay. “The work that was supposed to happen is already underway.”
He pointed out that the Punjab Assembly had passed a resolution for the creation of a new province and enacted a local government system, while Sindh’s framework remained comparatively stronger. Bilawal added that a single parliament could reasonably pass two constitutional amendments, but beyond that, there was little room for further changes. “The Constitution is not a document meant to be amended repeatedly,” he said.
Asked whether he intended to become prime minister, Bilawal said he would assume the office if elected by the public. Pressed further, he responded with a lighthearted gesture, raising his hands to his ears and drawing laughter from the audience.
Without naming the PML-N-led government in Punjab, he emphasized that allies in the province needed political space and clarified that the PPP had no intention of taking ministries there at present. He also criticized the timing of local government laws, suggesting that had Sindh passed a similar law before elections, it could have drawn public criticism, while in Punjab, new legislation allowed the government to delay local elections.
