ECC approves Rs4.188bn PASSCO compensation package

KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has announced plans to approach political parties across the country to launch a “grand national dialogue” on the creation of new provinces and administrative units. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, MQM-P Chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said Pakistan needed a serious national discussion on restructuring its administrative system, arguing that the country’s growing population had increased the need for additional provinces. Siddiqui said MQM-P had been advocating the creation of more provinces for decades, maintaining that Pakistan’s existing provincial structure was largely shaped by linguistic considerations rather than purely administrative requirements. He stressed that the party’s demand was not limited to Sindh and that it would support calls for new provinces wherever there was public and political backing. The MQM-P leader urged political parties to sit together and discuss their proposals and reservations instead of treating the issue as a source of political confrontation. He said his party was prepared to take the lead in initiating such a dialogue. Siddiqui also linked the debate over new provinces with the need to strengthen local governments. Referring to Article 140-A of the Constitution, he said provinces were constitutionally required to devolve political, administrative and financial powers to elected local representatives. He criticised the failure to fully implement the provision and recalled that MQM-P had previously approached the Supreme Court over the issue. He argued that creating additional provinces was not unconstitutional and said Parliament could debate the appropriate mechanism for establishing them. He also questioned whether existing provinces should have the sole authority to decide on their own division. MQM-P leader and Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said the party’s proposal was aimed at administrative restructuring rather than dividing communities or territories. He argued that people should have greater control over local leadership and governance, particularly when their cities face serious problems in living standards and public services. The MQM-P campaign follows recent remarks by Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, who called for political parties to address major national issues, including the creation of new provinces. His proposal has since generated debate among government figures, lawyers and political circles, giving fresh momentum to the long-running discussion over Pakistan’s provincial structure. The MQM-P leadership said it would also engage legal experts and explore further legal avenues regarding the implementation of constitutional provisions related to local governance.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed hope that progress on the Strait of Hormuz issue will create momentum for renewed dialogue between Iran and the United States, reaffirming its commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions in the region. Speaking at the weekly media briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan expects the implementation of the Islamabad Reconciliation Framework to advance through consensus on the Strait of Hormuz, paving the way for technical-level talks between Tehran and Washington. He said Pakistan supports the resumption of negotiations between Iran and the United States and will continue to play a constructive diplomatic role alongside regional partners. According to the spokesperson, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, and other friendly countries remain engaged in coordinated efforts to promote peace and stability, with Oman playing a particularly positive role in efforts related to the Strait of Hormuz. Andrabi also confirmed that Iran’s foreign minister has been invited to visit Pakistan, while noting that the National Assembly Secretariat would clarify whether an invitation has also been extended to the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament. On the situation in Gaza, the spokesperson said lasting peace requires not only the disarmament of Hamas but also Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied territories. He stressed that Israel must fulfill its international obligations and end its military presence in Gaza. Responding to questions about the possible deployment of an international peacekeeping force in Gaza, Andrabi said it was too early to discuss such a proposal. He added that Pakistan would examine any formal plan if it is presented through appropriate international channels. Commenting on political developments in Bangladesh, the spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and declined to comment on statements made by Bangladesh’s former prime minister. He also strongly condemned recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, describing them as violations of international law and threats to maritime security. Andrabi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the safety of global trade routes and said defense cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would continue.