Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, while reacting to the statement of the Federal Interior Minister, has said that provinces are not administrative units but have their own history, identity and constitutional status. The sensitivity of such statements must be understood.

Reacting to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s speech at the National Policy Dialogue event, the Sindh Local Government Minister said that he agreed with Mohsin Naqvi on the need for reforms for better governance, effective systems and convenience of the people, however, administrative reforms and the reorganization of provinces are two completely different matters.

Nasir Shah said that provinces are not just administrative units, they have their own history, identity, culture, language, geography and constitutional status. Changes in the boundaries or status of provinces cannot be considered as mere administrative necessity.

He said that if the aim is to bring administrative powers closer to the people, then this can be done within the existing constitutional structure, new districts, divisions and tehsils can be created, local government bodies can be empowered and powers can be transferred to the lower levels.

Don’t be emotional, administrative units will be formed, no individual, political party or representative can stop it, Mohsin Naqvi

Nasir Shah said that the people of Sindh have repeatedly given clear and unanimous opinions about their land, history and identity, the question of division of Sindh is not just an administrative proposal but it is a matter related to the emotions, history and collective will of the people of Sindh.

He said that he is ready to discuss every positive proposal for reforms, but there can be no compromise on the unity of Sindh. If it is a question of respecting the opinion of the people, then the clear and continuous opinion of the people of Sindh should also be respected.

Nasir Shah said that Pakistan will not be strong by weakening the provinces, Pakistan will be strong with constitutional harmony between the federation and the provinces, fair distribution of powers and protection of the rights of all units.

The Minister for Local Government further said that the integrity, strength and stability of Pakistan is very important for us, Mohsin Naqvi is respectable but he is requested to understand the sensitivity and importance of the matter.