Daily Times

Sir: With the federation of Pakistan under threat, we need some fresh outside-the-box thinking. Looking at the issue historically, the present provincial boundaries are fairly recent. Sindh used to be part of the Bombay province. The old Punjab comprised East and West Punjab but did not include the princely state of Bahawalpur. Similarly, Kalat and Swat were autonomous states. Also, let’s not forget that for several years, we didn’t have any provinces at all as West Pakistan was considered ‘one unit’.

If we look across the border, several new provinces have been created in India under under a 1956 act of parliament. Nigeria was faced with civil war at a time when it had four provinces. Following the end of hostilities, they decided to set up 12 provinces to preserve their federation.
A proposal for further administrative sub-divisions within the provinces should be carefully considered. We have seen in many other countries that such a move would not threaten the federation, and would, in fact, strengthen it. It is time that we stop thinking emotionally and consider solutions to the problems of our federation rationally. If the choice were between the break-up of the federation and a sub-division of provinces, any patriotic Pakistani would opt for the latter.
KHALID A
United Kingdom