Khawaja Asif Backs New Provinces, Sees No Objection to Twelve on Administrative Basis

SIALKOT: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has backed the creation of new provinces in the country, saying that if they are formed on administrative grounds, their number could be as many as twelve.

Speaking exclusively to Geo News in Sialkot on Sunday, he said the proposal for new provinces has been under debate for the past two months, with a range of views coming in from across the country.

He said: If there is a proposal for twelve provinces, then make twelve, but their basis should not be language, ethnicity or political interests.

Emphasising the establishment of smaller administrative units, Asif said that population growth requires a more effective system of government to deliver public services to the people.

He said powers should not remain concentrated in provincial capitals such as Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar, but should be transferred to smaller units.

The defence minister also criticised the current distribution of resources.