Rana Sanaullah: Referendum on New Provinces Needs Parliament’s Nod

Rana Sanaullah – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – Rana Sanaullah referendum remarks have brought fresh attention to the ongoing debate over new provinces in Pakistan. The Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs said on Saturday that a public vote would only happen if a joint sitting of parliament gives its approval first.

Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Sanaullah said parliament remains the right place to settle this issue. He pointed out that his party, PML-N, has not finalized its stance yet and is still holding internal talks.

He also mentioned that the topic has not even reached the cabinet for discussion. Sanaullah added that PML-N will announce its official policy once the matter formally comes up in parliament.

His comments closely matched what Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said earlier, revealing that lawmakers plan to debate the province issue in October.

Sanaullah believes that once the matter reaches parliament, every political party will get a chance to share its views openly. He said that whatever parliament decides, all parties should accept the outcome.

Beyond the provinces issue, Sanaullah touched on ties between PML-N and PPP, saying tensions after the Kashmir assembly elections have eased. He hoped both parties would move forward smoothly.

He also urged Jamaat-e-Islami to delay its planned long march by a week or two, wishing for it to remain peaceful. Without naming PTI directly, he warned that another party’s planned march may turn unruly, and law enforcement should act if needed.

On rising prices, Sanaullah blamed global tensions between the US and Iran, saying Pakistan is not responsible for the surge. He also criticized Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, saying his repeated statements have failed to bring real change.

The broader province debate began after Naqvi called Pakistan’s governance system badly broken, urging major reforms. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal later suggested the country could be divided into 12 to 15 provinces, sparking wider national discussion.

Meanwhile, PTI chief Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced that opposition parties will soon hold an All Parties Conference to discuss the new provinces issue together.