Asif calls devolution of power inevitable and accuses PPP of double standards on new provinces

Khawaja Asif says the devolution of power in Pakistan is “inevitable,” but he has accused the Pakistan Peoples Party of applying a double standard to proposals for new provinces.

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Devolution is inevitable.

In a post on X late Saturday, the defence minister said the PPP supports, or shows “a soft corner” for, calls for a Saraiki province in Punjab. But, he said, when the discussion turns to multiple provinces or administrative units instead of the existing four, the party raises the issue of “Sindhudesh.”

Asif's comments followed a parliamentary dispute on Friday, when the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan was denied the opportunity to present a resolution against the “Sindhudesh movement.” The PPP criticized MQM-P, saying it was trying to “mislead the people” by tabling the resolution.

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When there is talk of a Saraiki province in Punjab, the PPP supports it or shows a soft corner on this issue. And when there is talk of multiple provinces or administrative units instead of four, talk of ‘Sindhudesh’ begins.

Asif said he saw “something else” behind what he called the PPP's “dual policy” and would discuss it in greater depth “when the time comes.” He also stressed that “We are first and foremost Pakistanis” and said devolution had been established as a constitutional principle through the 18th Amendment, which he said had not been respected.

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We are first and foremost Pakistanis.