Bilawal’s New Provinces Statement Renews Debate Over Saraiki Province Demand

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s recent remarks on creating new provinces have reignited debate over Pakistan’s administrative structure and the longstanding demand for a separate Saraiki province (Saraikistan).

According to media reports, Bilawal questioned why new provinces were not being created in areas where political consensus existed, citing Gilgit-Baltistan as an example. He emphasised the importance of constitutional procedures and political agreement.

In earlier remarks on October 6, Bilawal highlighted development in Tharparkar, arguing that better governance and public services could be achieved through provincial autonomy and development initiatives without necessarily creating new provinces.

Saraiki Community’s Demands

Saraiki political organisations have long demanded a separate province (Saraikistan) that recognises the region’s linguistic, cultural and historical identity.

Their key demands include:

• A separate Saraiki province (Saraikistan) through a clear constitutional process.
• Fair political representation and greater regional participation in decision-making.
• Equitable development in education, healthcare, infrastructure and employment.
• Recognition of Saraiki language and cultural heritage.
• Clarity on the proposed province’s boundaries and its relationship with the South Punjab proposal.

Previous parliamentary initiatives have addressed the South Punjab province proposal, but a separate province has not been established.

Constitutional Requirements

Under Article 239 of Pakistan’s Constitution, constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority of the total membership of both houses of Parliament. A change to provincial boundaries also requires approval by at least two-thirds of the total membership of the affected provincial assembly.

The Question That Remains

If political consensus is the key to creating new provinces, why has the Saraiki province Saraikistan demand still not reached a clear conclusion?

Will political leaders provide a concrete roadmap and defined legislative steps, or will the demand remain part of recurring political debates?

For the Saraiki community, the issue extends beyond administrative boundaries to identity, representation, equitable development and a meaningful voice in decisions affecting the region’s future.