PPP Senator Calls for Separate South Punjab Province Amidst Senate Budget Debate
During a budget debate in the Senate, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan advocated for the establishment of a separate South Punjab province. He argued that large provinces necessitate bifurcation for employment and effective governance, citing historical context and specific development demands for the region. The session also featured accusations exchanged between senators, with an independent senator criticizing independent power producers (IPPs) and PML-N senators making allegations against the previous PTI government concerning economic management, national security, and administrative appointments.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan called for a separate South Punjab province during a budget debate in the Senate. He asserted that when a province becomes too large, bifurcation is necessary, linking it to the annual birth of seven million children in Pakistan and the need for their employment. Senator Hassan expressed a desire for separation from 'Takht-i-Lahore', recalling Multan's historical status as a capital and Bahawalpur's financial support during Pakistan's formation.
His demands for South Punjab included an industrial zone, a high court, a distinct share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, and the establishment of agricultural and IT universities. He also questioned why 'Seraikistan' was not being made a province, stating that Bilawal had instructed them to advocate for their province.
Separately, Senator Abdul Qadir, an independent lawmaker from Balochistan, claimed that independent power producers (IPPs) were responsible for the reversal of the government’s solar policy. He noted the government's obligation to pay Rs1.8 trillion in capacity charges, describing IPPs as a "mafia" that "bulldozes every government," and challenged for a forensic audit of IPP agreements.
PML-N Senator Abid Sher Ali stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assumed office when Pakistan faced the risk of being placed on the FATF grey list and a situation similar to Sri Lanka. Ali credited the premier with "saving the sinking boat" and ensuring stability and peace. He criticized the PTI government's economic team for changing four finance ministers in two and a half years and appointing Nadeem Babar, whom he described as an "IPP owner," as energy adviser.
Ali further accused the PTI of making a "deal on Kashmir" and releasing Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan, adding that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had become a "haven for terrorism" under PTI rule. Another PML-N senator, Agha Shahzeb Durrani, alleged that PTI had commenced efforts towards Pakistan’s denuclearisation and had posted "corrupt FBR officers" to key positions, who were subsequently removed by the current government. Durrani also highlighted the PML-N government's management of the petrol crisis and the initiation of work to double the size of the Karachi-Quetta highway.
Previous discussions on provincial autonomy include a May incident where PPP lawmaker Mumtaz Chang threatened to push for a separate Seraiki province in the Punjab Assembly. In February, Zahid Malik of MQM-P's Inter-Provincial Coordination Committee accused the PPP of adopting double standards on the issue, supporting new provinces in South Punjab but holding a different stance regarding Sindh and Karachi.
According to Dawn Pakistan, these discussions and accusations transpired during Wednesday’s budget debate in the Senate.
