ISLAMABAD : Federal Minister for Health and MQM Pakistan leader Mustafa Kamal has pushed back against Prime Minister’s Advisor Rana Sanaullah, declaring that an amendment regarding the establishment of new provinces will be introduced — and it will not require prior cabinet discussion.
Speaking on Geo News’ program Naya Pakistan, Kamal questioned Sanaullah’s assertion that the issue of new provinces has not been discussed within the government or parliament. “Rana Sanaullah, tell me — did the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments come after discussions in the cabinet?” Kamal asked pointedly.
The Health Minister suggested that PPP should voice its displeasure from where the matter originated, adding that those who are determined to push this forward will ultimately do so.
Kamal’s remarks came in response to statements made by Rana Sanaullah on the same program a day earlier. The PM’s advisor had clarified that the ruling party has neither discussed the issue of provinces with the government nor brought it up in the cabinet or parliament.
Sanaullah had further challenged federal ministers advocating for new provinces to present a written formula. “Provinces cannot be created just by talking or doing podcasts,” he said, adding that no concrete plan has been formulated so far. He noted that various proposals — ranging from 12 to 20 to 32 provinces — were being floated without any substantive groundwork.
The PM’s advisor also dismissed Mustafa Kamal’s push as limited to Karachi, stating that there is no popular public demand for new provinces across the country, except in the Hazara region.
The exchange highlights growing friction within the ruling coalition over the sensitive issue of provincial boundaries, with MQM Pakistan pressing for administrative reforms while other partners remain cautious.
