ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government on Friday presented a constitutional amendment bill to the National Assembly speaker that sought the establishment of the South Punjab province, the Pakistani state media reported.
The southern Punjab region comprises three administrative divisions — Multan, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan. In total, the region has 11 districts, including Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Vehari, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalnagar.
Over the decades, people of southern Punjab, a relatively impoverished region as compared to districts in north and central Punjab, have complained of being neglected in the division of resources and called for greater autonomy.
Successive governments in Pakistan have supported the idea of the South Punjab province, but none could go ahead with the promise.
On Friday, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who himself hails from Multan, presented the constitutional amendment bill for the establishment of the South Punjaba province to National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, the state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
“On the request of the foreign minister, the speaker directed to make the bill part of the agenda of the House on Monday,” the report read.
The establishment of the South Punjab province was part of the election manifesto of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and today, the government fulfilled yet another promise made with the people of South Punjab, the report quoted Qureshi as saying.
The development comes at a time when Prime Minister Imran Khan is facing a no-confidence move by the opposition and appears to be an attempt to ease pressure on him.
Earlier in the day, Speaker Qaiser adjourned a National Assembly session without taking up the no-trust motion after prayers were offered for a lawmaker who had passed away recently. The opposition filed the motion on March 8. The next session is now scheduled for Monday, March 28.
Speaking to media persons later, Qureshi asked opposition parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), to support the constitutional amendment bill that envisaged the establishment of the South Punjab province.
This was a longstanding demand of the local people and it would further strengthen the federation of Pakistan, he added.
Pakistan government presents bill for establishment of South Punjab province
https://arab.news/nchxb
Pakistan government presents bill for establishment of South Punjab province
- The southern Punjab region comprises three administrative divisions, Multan, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan
- Over the decades, South Punjab residents have complained of being neglected and demanded greater autonomy
Pakistan PM urges unity, economic resilience in New Year message
- Sharif says Pakistan stabilized economy, countered security threats in 2025
- The prime minister vows reform, unity and diplomacy as the country enters 2026
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged national unity, economic resilience and a continued focus on reform in a New Year message on Wednesday, saying the country had weathered security and economic challenges in 2025 and must now build on its gains as it enters 2026.
Sharif’s statement comes as Pakistan seeks to consolidate macroeconomic stabilization and navigate a volatile regional and global environment. He framed the year ahead as one requiring cohesion, discipline and sustained reform, while reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to diplomacy and multilateral engagement.
“Over the past year, we responded to the aggression of enemies and countered the menace of terrorism with matchless courage and bravery, both on the battlefield and in negotiation rooms,” the prime minister said in a post on social media platform X.
“We have also taken meaningful steps to strengthen economic fundamentals, improve governance, expand social protection, and lay the groundwork for long-term development,” he added. “Our efforts are guided by our collective resolve to build a stable, self-reliant, and prosperous Pakistan that delivers opportunity and dignity to every citizen.”
Sharif said Pakistan had begun to restore confidence through fiscal discipline, structural reforms and renewed momentum in investment, exports and energy security, crediting the public’s “hard work, patience, and sacrifices” for recent progress.
On foreign policy, he said the country would continue to prioritize dialogue and cooperation amid rising instability.
“At a time of global uncertainty and conflict, Pakistan will continue to advocate dialogue over confrontation, development over division, and cooperation over unilateralism,” he said.
“With unity, discipline, and hard work, we shall build a Pakistan that is economically strong, socially just, and resilient in the face of challenges,” Sharif added.
