Multan:
The president of the Punjab college group, Mian Amer Mahmood, said that the creation of new provinces was an urgent need because it would bring development, make politicians more responsible and make justice and basic facilities.
“The formation of new provinces would also reduce expenses,” said Mahmood on Tuesday speaking in a private university. He said Pakistan currently has four provinces, the Punjab alone representing 51% of the population.
Punjab, with its 130 million people, is larger than three other combined units and that is why it is often criticized. Only 13 countries in the world have larger populations than Punjab, he added.
He said that Balutchistan, although the largest per region, had a very small population at the time of independence, but its population has now increased rapidly.
“We give power to the President and the Prime Minister by our vote so that they can solve people’s problems. Supporting government means supporting public well-being.
“In the world, governments work for public well-being and form smaller provinces so that the facilities reach people at their door,” he said.
Citing a World Bank report, he said, deprivation is widespread in the country. “In 80 years, we have only developed five cities. The facilities are confined to five capitals. Until the powers are assigned to the base, the country cannot progress,” he added.
Mahmood compared Pakistan with China and India. He said China has 31 provinces, India has 39 states, while Pakistan, although it is the fifth most populated country, has only four provinces. He said that the first ten most populated countries in the world developed by dividing their territories for better governance.
