LAHORE: The Istehkam Pakistan Party (IPP) has called for the creation of 16 smaller provinces in Pakistan, replacing the current four, to bring governance closer to the people, party President and Federal Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said on Sunday.
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Addressing a party workers’ convention in Kamoke, around 50km from Lahore, Aleem Khan said the move is aimed at providing citizens better access to public services and resolving local issues more efficiently. He suggested dividing Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into four provinces each, without changing the original provincial names.
“The creation of new provinces will save time and energy for the people, allowing their issues to be addressed at their doorsteps,” he said, urging other political parties to show magnanimity and support the initiative. Aleem Khan also welcomed backing from the MQM and other parties for the proposal.
The minister announced development plans linking Kamoke and Gujranwala to the Lahore-Sialkot-Kharian Motorway and widening the existing four-lane motorway to six lanes. He said the prime minister would be invited to inaugurate the projects, which aim to improve connectivity and economic opportunities in the region.
Aleem Khan also demanded fixing the minimum wheat price at Rs4,000 per maund and urged the prime minister to reduce tax rates for businesses to stimulate industrial growth. Highlighting the importance of youth employment, he said that private sector expansion and all-round development would create dignified jobs for the younger population.
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He concluded by praising the Pakistan armed forces for strengthening the nation’s global standing, calling for national unity and cooperation to ensure the success of development and governance reforms.