PML-F demands separate Seraiki province

LAHORE: The Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) formally demanded the creation of a separate Seraiki province for the people of south Punjab during the House’s pre-budget debate session on Friday. A member from the PML-Nawaz walked out from the House to protest the demand put forward by the PML-F. During the debate, Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmood Qureshi of the PML-F spoke in favour of a separate province for the Seraiki people, saying additional provinces could be constituted in the federation, as there was no bar in the constitution on the creation of new administrative units. Quoting precedent, he said the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had recently constituted a new province, Gilgit-Baltistan. Citing India’s example, Mahmood said New Delhi was creating new provinces to address regional problems. He criticised facilities enjoyed by politicians in provincial capitals, saying assembly members from backward areas had no option except shifting to Lahore to live a decent life. Mahmood said people of Punjab’s less developed areas had to move to Lahore to pursue quality education and avail healthcare and various other facilities. He also proposed that the government divide development fund of Rs 200 billion among all nine divisions of Punjab equally. Mahmood said the province’s revenue could be increased if the government invested in south Punjab. Following the PML-F member’s remarks, PML-N’s Malik Muhammad Waris Kalo walked out of the House in protest. Later, Speaker Rana Iqbal Ahmad Khan asked to him to return to the House. Meanwhile, Arifa Khalid opposed Mahmood’s demands on a point of order, urging lawmakers not to criticise Lahore for its superior facilities. Earlier, the Punjab government tabled the Punjab Power Development Board Bill, 2010 that aims to facilitate private investors in the development of the province’s power sector. hussain kashif

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