New provinces debate could take 6 to 8 months: Rana Sanaullah

Speaking to senior journalists in Lahore, Rana Sanaullah said there may have been discussions between the proponents of the new provinces project and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

He said if those behind the project had approached the PML-N but the party had not introduced it, “we cannot stand there with sticks.”Rana Sanaullah said there was still considerable time before the issue of dividing provinces would be taken up.

If the matter came before Parliament, everyone would give their opinion, while a parliamentary or standing committee could also be formed to examine the issue. He said the matter of provinces appeared likely to take six to eight months.

He added that the division of provinces could lead to the creation of administrative units or bring the issue of local government elections into discussion. Rana Sanaullah clarified that the PML-N had not initiated the project for dividing provinces and said the party’s position was clear.

He said the PML-N’s local leadership in Punjab did not want to take Bahawalpur along with South Punjab. He said proposals existed either to make Bahawalpur a separate province or keep it with Lahore. He added that no major statement had emerged from the PML-N in favour of dividing provinces.

Rana Sanaullah said the Pakistan Peoples Party had gained political benefit from the issue of provinces. He also said President Asif Ali Zardari had supported the canal project, but it was stopped following public protests.

Speaking about the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Rana Sanaullah said there might be back-channel talks with PTI founder Imran Khan, adding that there was a price for adopting such a course and that it would have to be paid. He alleged that the PTI was preparing to come to Islamabad while armed.

He further alleged that Fitna al-Khawarij, which he claimed was sponsored by India, could target a PTI rally to create distance between the government and the public. He said the PTI’s protest would fail. Rana Sanaullah said the federal interior minister would be asked to respond if he raised the matter in the cabinet or Senate.

He added that Federal Minister Sheikh Qaiser met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif every other day in his presence and said he did not understand Sheikh Qaiser’s objections or his claim of not meeting the prime minister. He said some matters were meant for deliberation and that everything should not be made public.