{"id":22711,"date":"2026-06-17T19:42:30","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T14:42:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pakjazbo.com\/?p=22711"},"modified":"2026-06-17T19:42:30","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T14:42:30","slug":"ppp-senator-rana-mehmood-demands-separate-province-for-south-punjab","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakjazbo.com\/?p=22711","title":{"rendered":"PPP Senator Rana Mehmood Demands Separate Province for South Punjab"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Islamabad:<\/strong> Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator <strong>Rana Mehmood-ul-Hassan<\/strong> has renewed the demand for the creation of a separate province in southern Punjab, arguing that administrative efficiency and regional development require the division of large provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking during a Senate session, the PPP senator said that when a province becomes too large, administrative restructuring becomes necessary. He emphasized that the people of southern Punjab deserve their own province and questioned why the proposed <strong>Saraikistan Province<\/strong> has yet to be established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Call for a Separate Province<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Addressing the Senate, Rana Mehmood stated that the people of southern Punjab have long sought a separate administrative unit to address regional disparities and accelerate development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe do not want to remain dependent on the governance structure centered around Lahore. We want our own province,\u201d he said, adding that the demand reflects the aspirations of many residents of the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He argued that creating a new province would allow local communities to have greater control over their resources and development priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Historical Reference to Multan and Bahawalpur<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The senator noted that <strong>Multan<\/strong> historically served as an important administrative center and highlighted the role played by <strong>Bahawalpur<\/strong> during the early years of Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He said that the people of Bahawalpur supported the country at a critical time and made significant contributions after independence. According to him, such historical contributions strengthen the case for greater administrative recognition of southern Punjab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Demand for Institutions and Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rana Mehmood stressed that southern Punjab requires stronger institutional support and greater resource allocation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among the demands he highlighted were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Establishment of industrial zones<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A High Court bench or judicial infrastructure for the region<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A fair share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) framework<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greater investment in development projects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He argued that these measures are necessary to address longstanding economic and administrative challenges faced by the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Need for Universities and Economic Development<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The senator also called for increased investment in higher education, particularly in agriculture and information technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to him, the establishment of specialized agricultural and IT universities would help equip young people with modern skills and contribute to regional economic growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He maintained that educational and industrial development should be central components of any future plan for southern Punjab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reference to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During his speech, Rana Mehmood said that PPP Chairman <strong>Bilawal Bhutto Zardari<\/strong> had encouraged party members to advocate for the creation of their own province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He presented the statement as evidence that the party leadership continues to support discussions on administrative reforms and regional empowerment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Concerns Over Population Growth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The senator also raised broader concerns about Pakistan\u2019s rapidly growing population. He noted that millions of children are born in the country every year and questioned whether adequate planning exists to provide future employment opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He argued that economic development, education, and job creation must be prioritized to meet the needs of a growing population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Longstanding Debate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The issue of creating a separate province in southern Punjab has been debated in Pakistan for many years. Supporters argue that a new province would improve governance, bring government institutions closer to the people, and ensure more balanced development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Opponents, however, have raised concerns about constitutional complexities, political consensus, administrative costs, and the practical challenges involved in redrawing provincial boundaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rana Mehmood-ul-Hassan\u2019s remarks have once again brought the issue of a separate southern Punjab province into the national spotlight. By calling for the creation of <strong>Saraikistan<\/strong>, greater regional autonomy, and increased development resources, he has renewed a debate that continues to be an important part of Pakistan\u2019s political discourse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether the proposal gains sufficient political support remains uncertain, but the demand for administrative restructuring in southern Punjab continues to be a prominent issue for many leaders and communities in the region.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Islamabad: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Rana Mehmood-ul-Hassan has renewed the demand for the creation of a separate province in southern Punjab, arguing that administrative efficiency and regional development require the division of large provinces. Speaking during a Senate session, the PPP senator said that when a province becomes too large, administrative restructuring becomes necessary. 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