KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has warned that the issue of dividing Sindh cannot be raised even in the National Assembly, reiterating that his government would strongly oppose any move aimed at splitting the province.
The remarks came during a heated session of the Sindh Assembly, where the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) staged a walkout while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers did not attend the session.
Delivering a forceful speech, Murad Ali Shah addressed the National Assembly and issued a stern warning against discussing the division of Sindh.
“We warn the National Assembly that you cannot even talk about breaking Sindh into pieces or dividing the province,” he said.
Pointing towards the opposition benches, the chief minister accused certain political groups of adopting a double standard. He said the day’s developments had exposed those who, according to him, were speaking about the division of Sindh while taking a different position inside the provincial assembly.
Murad Ali Shah also criticised MQM over its position on the creation of new administrative units. Referring to MQM leader Mustafa Kamal’s remarks in favour of administrative units, he questioned the party’s stance inside the Sindh Assembly, where its members oppose the division of Sindh.
“This is what double standards look like,” the chief minister said, questioning whom MQM was trying to convince.
Also Read: ‘AI Trap’: Former Sindh MPA Seeks Case Against Ex-Wife Over Alleged Fraud, Blackmail
He further claimed that none of the opposition members currently in the assembly had won their seats through a direct public vote, alleging that some lawmakers had entered the house through a different constitutional mechanism. He said details regarding the election of certain members could be presented at an appropriate time.
On the broader debate over the creation of new provinces, the chief minister said population alone could not be used as the basis for such a demand.
“If the issue is governance, then there should be a discussion on administrative reforms to improve governance,” Murad Ali Shah said, adding that the devolution of powers to the grassroots level could also be discussed in detail.
He stressed that administrative reforms should not be mixed with the issue of dividing Sindh. According to the chief minister, additional districts and administrative units could be created in the province if required.
Murad Ali Shah also said strengthening local governments remained a priority for his administration. He added that work was under way on further amendments to the law aimed at empowering and strengthening local government institutions.
