Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has responded to Defence Minister and PML-N leader Khawaja Asif’s remarks regarding new provinces, urging the ruling party to avoid turning Sindh into a political scapegoat. Memon said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz could pursue its political interests and satisfy its allies, but it should not do so at the expense of Sindh.
In his response, Sharjeel Memon highlighted the difference between the positions adopted by the Punjab and Sindh assemblies on the creation of new provinces. He pointed out that the Punjab Assembly has passed resolutions supporting the establishment of a separate Saraiki province on two occasions.
Memon further stated that the Sindh Assembly, meanwhile, has passed resolutions eight times opposing the creation of additional provinces within Sindh. According to him, these resolutions clearly reflect the provincial assembly’s position on any proposal involving the division of Sindh.
The senior Sindh minister maintained that the issue of creating new provinces is politically sensitive and should be discussed with consideration for the constitutional and political positions of all provinces. He also reiterated that the PML-N should avoid making Sindh the target of a political dispute while dealing with its coalition partners.
Khawaja Asif had earlier criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party over what he described as an inconsistent position on the creation of new administrative units. He said the PPP supports the demand for a Saraiki province in Punjab, but when the discussion turns to administrative divisions in Sindh, the party begins raising the issue of Sindhu Desh.
The defence minister further described the PPP’s stance as a double standard and said that he would explain the party’s position in detail when the appropriate time comes. His remarks prompted a response from Sharjeel Memon, adding a fresh dimension to the ongoing political debate over provincial boundaries and administrative units.
