Islamabad – A seminar titled ”Creation of New Province in Punjab: Federal Democracy and Party Politics” was organised by the Saraiki Student Council at Quaid e Azam Univeristy, bringing together students, academics prominent political leaders, intellectuals, and political activists discuss the longstanding demand for the creation of a Saraiki province in Punjab.
The event aimed to explore the constitutional and historical dimensions of this demand, while also addressing the role of political parties in shaping the discourse on federalism and decentralization in Pakistan and passed the resolution that Senate’s standing committee on law and justice to clear and move the constitutional amendment bill for voting in the National Assembly.
The seminar began with an in-depth discussion on the constitutional and parliamentary procedures required for the creation of a new province.
Farhatullah Babar, former Senator and President of the Human Rights Cell of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), emphasized that the creation of a Siraiki province is intrinsically linked to the strengthening of democracy in Pakistan. He provided detailed insights into the efforts made by the PPP, including the formation of a commission to study the creation of a new province.
He highlighted that the PPP had successfully passed a bill in the Senate supporting the creation of a Saraiki province, demonstrating the party’s commitment to addressing regional grievances. However, he also pointed out that the establishment has often used the issue of the Siraiki province as a political tool.
He cited the example of the 2018 elections, where parliamentarians from the Janubi Punjab Soba Mahaz was formed to join a particular political party favored by the establishment. ”The demand for a Siraiki province is not just a regional issue but a national one. It is about ensuring that democracy and federalism work hand in hand to address the grievances of marginalized regions,” he stated.
The discussion then shifted to the economic and cultural exploitation faced by the Siraiki region within Punjab. Awais Jakhar, Member of the National Assembly (PTI)from Layyah, pointed out that despite the National Finance Commission (NFC) awards, the region does not receive its fair share of resources. ”We lack adequate universities, hospitals, and infrastructure.
The Siraiki region has been neglected for far too long, and this must change,” he asserted. Mr. Jakhar stressed that the creation of a new province would ensure equitable distribution of resources and better representation for the people of the region.
Afzal Dhandla, a former parliamentarian from Bakhar, underscored the importance of historical, linguistic, and cultural factors in the creation of new provinces. He argued that recognizing diverse identities is essential for strengthening Pakistan’s federal structure. ”Federal democracies around the world thrive on the recognition of regional identities.
The creation of a Siraiki province would not only address regional grievances but also strengthen the federation by acknowledging its diversity,” he said. He emphasized that the creation of new provinces must be based on historical, linguistic, and cultural foundations to ensure a more inclusive and balanced federation.
Barrister Shoaib Shaheen (Spokesperson PTI)declared that every segment of society must rise and unite in the fierce struggle to reclaim our rights and defend our identity. He asserted that true federal democracy can only be achieved by dismantling centralized power and that breaking Punjab’s dominance through the creation of a new province is essential to shatter its oppressive hegemony and ensure justice for all.
The seminar also explored the role of political parties in addressing regional grievances and promoting decentralization. Speakers analyzed the positions taken by major political parties and their strategies for addressing the demand for a Siraiki province. The discussion highlighted the need for political parties to play a more proactive role in promoting decentralization and recognizing regional identities to strengthen federal democracy in Pakistan.
The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session with the audience, which comprised students, academics, intellectuals, civil society members, and political activists. The discussion emphasized that the demand for a Siraiki province is a genuine one, rooted in historical and cultural realities.
It was noted that the creation of many new provinces, as first proposed by Ziaulhaq’s Ansari Commission, should not be used as a tactic to counter the legitimate demands of the Siraiki region. Instead, the creation of a Siraiki province would help balance the federation and strengthen democracy in Pakistan.
The seminar concluded with actionable recommendations for political parties and stakeholders to move forward on this issue which will promotes unity in diversity , strengthens federal democracy, and addresses regional disparities. The resolution was made at the end to table the constitutional amendment bill for creation of new province in Punjab in the Parliament. The creation of a Siraiki province was seen as a crucial step towards ensuring a more equitable and inclusive federation in Pakistan.
