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Referendum on New Provinces? Naqvi Says Let the People DecidePakistan
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi says a public vote should settle the long-running debate over new provinces, adding that he would oppose the move himself if the people reject it.
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Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has called for a referendum on the creation of new provinces in Pakistan, saying the decision should rest with the people rather than with politicians alone. Speaking to the media in Islamabad on Thursday, he said that if the public did not support the proposal, he would oppose it himself.
Naqvi urged political parties to look at public opinion surveys on the issue, arguing that the polls point to growing support for new provinces. He did not cite any specific survey or share figures, but said the direction of public opinion was clear enough for political parties to take the question seriously.
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The creation of new provinces has been debated in Pakistan for years. Supporters of the idea argue that smaller administrative units are easier to govern and bring government closer to the people, while critics warn about the cost and complexity of redrawing provincial boundaries. No government has so far put the question to a public vote.
Naqvi also commented on Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s recent remarks about the need for a political reset in the country. The interior minister said he personally believed that all aspects of the system needed to be set right. “My opinion is the same as Mr Bilawal Bhutto’s. The entire system needs to be put right,” he said.
On the issuance of notices to people associated with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), Naqvi said notices had so far been issued to six or seven people. He clarified that JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had not received any notice.
Addressing concerns about corruption, the interior minister said it would be wrong to claim that corruption did not exist in the country. “With due respect, corruption does exist. Wherever corruption is found, it must be acknowledged and addressed,” he said.
Naqvi also gave an assurance about Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan, saying he would be granted all the legal rights to which he was entitled.
The interior minister did not announce any date or formal process for a referendum. His remarks put the question of new provinces back into public debate, but any such vote would require a political consensus and a legal framework before it could take place.
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