Solution to problems lies in empowered LGs, not in division of provinces: Raza Rabbani

Rabbani noted that Pakistan’s existing provinces were established on historical, linguistic, ethnic and cultural grounds. He said that if new provinces were to be created, the process should also take these factors into account. The former Senate chairman said that any further division of a province was primarily a matter for the province concerned and its people.

He pointed out that the Constitution requires approval by a two-thirds majority of the relevant provincial assembly for the division of a province. Commenting on the country’s political system, Rabbani said a hybrid system was currently operating in Pakistan.

Although assemblies exist, he said, they have been unable to play their real and effective role, while the role of parliament in important policy decisions is continuously being curtailed. He stressed that parliament should play an effective role in constitutional, national and policy matters.

He also described an independent, strong and impartial judiciary as indispensable for the rule of law, saying protecting judicial independence was the constitutional responsibility of both the executive and parliament. On voting rights for overseas Pakistanis, Rabbani said they should be given the right to vote, but stressed that political consensus was necessary on the procedure.

He called for a transparent, secure and reliable system for overseas voting, noting that Pakistan’s electoral system was already facing questions over its credibility and that greater transparency was needed. Rabbani also expressed concerns over the recent elections in Azad Kashmir, saying polling was conducted in phases for the first time.

He said several questions had been raised regarding the transparency of the elections and noted that the Pakistan Peoples Party had also expressed reservations over the electoral process in Azad Kashmir.