KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Friday decided to take up the long-debated issue of creating new provinces and administrative units, approving an adjournment motion with a majority vote for a two-hour discussion next week.

In recent weeks, the demand for new provinces has resurfaced amid political statements and media speculation about restructuring Pakistan’s administrative map. Against this backdrop, treasury members said that the house should have a clear position on the matter.

The motion was moved by senior lawmaker and Pakistan Peoples Party Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro under Rule 256 of the Rules of Procedure of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, 2013.

In his written request to the speaker, Mr Khuhro stated that a renewed public debate had emerged regarding the creation of new provinces and administrative units in Pakistan, including proposals and suggestions which might have the effect of altering the existing territorial limits of Sindh.

House approves adjournment motion moved by Nisar Khuhro with majority vote for two-hour discussion on Monday

He argued that the matter was of public importance and must be discussed on the floor of the house.

Law Minister and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said that it was a significant matter and he had no objection to the motion being taken up. The speaker, after consulting the law minister, allowed Mr Khuhro to move the motion.

Speaking in the house, Mr Khuhro said that speculation was rife over the issue. “This is an important issue for the provinces. Members of the Sindh Assembly also want the house to hold an open discussion on it,” he said.

Speaker Syed Owais Qadir Shah put the adjournment motion before the house for a vote, asking the members to stand up if they wanted it to be admitted. The PPP members voted for the admission of the motion, while the opposition members belonging to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and Jamaat-i-Islami chose to remain seated.

The speaker admitted the motion for debate and ruled that a two-hour discussion would be held on Monday (Aug 31). He added that if members wished, the debate could continue for several more days. The house approved the motion by majority vote.

At the outset of the proceedings, newly elected MPA from PS-30, Asfand Yar Khral, took the oath in Sindhi.

The house expressed deep grief over the recent tragic incident at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad and other unfortunate events. JI MPA Muhammad Farooq sought prayers for the newborns who died in a fire at PIMS and for Mir Raza, who was killed.

The speaker announced four new members of the panel of chairpersons for the current session, including Nida Khuhro, Sabir Qaimkhani and Dr Sikandar Shoro.

During the Questions Hour, the law minister said that a scheme for the construction of residences for prosecutors, officers and staff was to be completed in 2021 but faced delays. “Work is in the final stages in Hyderabad and Sukkur regions,” he said, adding that the project cost was Rs330 million and was being supervised by judges of the Sindh High Court.

To a question by PTI’s Sajjad Soomro, he said that the post of advocate general was in BPS-18 and 67 candidates had passed the test conducted by the Sindh Public Service Commission.

MQM-P MPA Aamir Siddiqui sought to move an adjournment motion on severe traffic congestion in Lyari’s Lasbela area. He withdrew it after the interior minister assured him the issue would be addressed. The speaker advised him to meet the minister to resolve it.

The assembly also passed three amendment bills: the Sindh Public Private Partnership Bill, the Institute of Business Administration Amendment Bill, and the Sindh Control of Narcotics Amendment Bill.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2026