Point-scoring politics of new provinces

In what appeared to be a political point-scoring tactic, President Asif Ali Zardari camped out in southern Punjab, speaking in favor of a Seraiki province.

The President suggested a new Seraiki Bank, overlooking the modalities and legality of the project.  Prior to the upcoming general election, the PPP is playing up the emotionalism of the Seraiki issue in the pivotal Southern part of Punjab.

However, it has already forced a concession from the PML-N, which was perceived as being reluctant to carve up its base in Punjab. Nawaz Sharif also spoke in favor of revival of the territorial boundaries of old Bahawalpur State.

Despite the fact that this will not be an easy task, political rhetoric regarding the creation of new federating units is common nowadays in light of the general elections.

Without any doubt, Seraiki speakers have a distinct identity and their grievances need to be addressed. However, all stakeholders including legislators, civil society and most importantly native people should initiate a debate.

The debate can move to the legislators if all stakeholders reach to an accord. Apart from the constitutional technicalities, there are prickly questions regarding the division of assets, rewarding boundaries and resources.

For instance, what will be the geographical boundaries of a proposed Seraiki province? Will it add in three divisions of southern Punjab, as the president said, or will the Seraiki-speaking parts of other provinces be let in?

Another point should also be considered that forward movement on the Seraiki issue will boost demands for creation of more provinces, such as the Hazara in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).

The issue of division in Sindh is at least publicly repudiated by the major parties with the MQM denying it wants a ‘Mohajir province. However, the appearance of posters and graffiti demanding such a province has raised the suspicions of Sindhi nationalists.

It is quite clear that the PML-N needs to discuss the Seraiki\Bahawalpur issue with the PPP-led federal government.

However, the demand for new federating units must not be incited by point scoring and political expedience. It also should not be rushed before the next polls simply to grab votes.

The issue of new provincial units needs dialogue and consensus but nor bluster and hyperbole. More provinces should be created but on grounds of the need for better governance and devolution of the power.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=19353

Posted by Faisal Farooq on Apr 18 2012. Filed under National, Opinion, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.