LAHORE: PML-N head Khawaja Saad Rafique has stated that political parties should be more democratic before Pakistan goes forward in the process of establishing new provinces.
Rafique gave the details while addressing a National Policy Dialogue on new provinces at a private university in Lahore on Saturday.
He endorsed the concept of smaller administrative divisions but wondered if establishing new provinces would be a solution to the root of the nation’s political and constitutional issues.
I am a democrat and want administration to be done at smaller levels, Rafique said and added that the violation of the constitution was a bigger issue.
Rafique criticises political parties
He said that the political parties in Pakistan were controlled by family dynamics and their leaders were treated like gods in the parties.
He said that democratic practices need to be strengthened within political parties first.
“Firstly, there should be democracy in political parties,” he said.
Former Prime Ministers, Rafique also pointed out towards the political career of these ex-primers, who had eventually been jailed. He particularly spoke about former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
Speaking about his political experience, Rafique said that the country had come to a juncture where it was hard to see the path ahead after four decades in politics.
He pointed out that the issue of undermining public mandates had begun in Balochistan and said that the resolution of wider political issues could not be achieved through the solution of administrative boundaries.
“So long as there is disrespect for the Constitution, no matter how many provinces we have, it won’t make any difference,” he said.
Rafique also condemned the “Politicization of Families” and demanded reforms to enhance democratic and constitutional institutions.
He reiterated his support for smaller administrative units but said political and constitutional reforms were needed along with any discussion about creating new provinces.
