Murad Ali Shah Rejects Any Division of Sindh as Legally and Politically Unacceptable

Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that the Pakistan Peoples Party has no objection to the creation of new provinces in other parts of the country, if the people there want it. However, he said, the division of Sindh is neither legally nor politically acceptable, as the people of the province have repeatedly rejected the idea through their elected representatives.

Speaking to the media after attending the urs of Pir Syed Ghulam Jilani Shah Jilani at his shrine in Makli, the chief minister said that under the constitution, the boundaries of any province cannot be changed unless the people of that province themselves want such a change.

The Punjab Assembly has already passed several resolutions in favour of creating new provinces, he noted, and if new provinces are established in Punjab, the PPP will raise no objection.

He said the constitution provides for a referendum, but this could be held only on a matter where ambiguity exists. Even after a referendum, the final decision would rest with the assemblies, as no referendum can override the constitution.

On water distribution and shortage, the chief minister said Sindh’s position on the distribution of water under the 1991 Water Accord is before the Council of Common Interests (CCI).

Rejecting the impression that the lower riparian province is responsible for the water shortage, he said that if water is not reaching the province at all, Sindh cannot be accused of stealing water. He said Sindh continues to face a severe water shortage and that the provincial government has raised the issue with the federal government, so it is wrong to blame Sindh for the shortage.

Earlier, the chief minister visited Jilani House in Makli accompanied by Sadiq Memon, PPP member of the National Assembly.

Addressing the urs, he said Sindh is the land of Sufis, whose teachings have promoted peace, tolerance and brotherhood in the province. Sufi saints, he said, have always taught mutual respect, love, harmony and understanding.

He said that as long as the PPP stands with the people of the province, Sindh will remain strong and secure.