BAHAWALPUR: Former federal minister Muhammad Ali Durrani has launched a movement from Bahawalpur advocating for the creation of new provinces and a local government system across the country, terming it a Marka-e-Khushali (battle for prosperity), ARY News reported.
Addressing a press conference on the occasion, he stated that the country should move toward smaller provinces and a robust local government system, which is in the best interest of the public.
He noted that the British government established the current four provinces, adding, “We did not create them.”
Durrani remarked that whenever there is talk of public prosperity, barriers are erected against it. However, he emphasized that both the people and state institutions will fight this battle for prosperity together.
He asserted that the country cannot flourish without ending dynastic politics and ushering the youth into leadership positions. He added that dynastic politicians view the creation of new provinces as a threat to their survival.
According to Durrani, new provinces would trigger an economic revolution, aid in eradicating terrorism, reduce government expenditures, and make abundant resources available to the masses.
He further stated that smaller administrative units would strengthen local governance and allow young leadership to emerge.
Criticizing the current rulers, he labeled them “economic terrorists” who have drained the national exchequer.
He lamented that the country’s main export has become looted wealth. Further criticizing the government, he pointed out that whenever farmers produce crops, the government refuses to purchase them. As a result, farmers grow poorer by the day while the public is burdened with mounting national debt, he said.
Durrani declared that economic terrorists must be ousted and vowed that the movement would not stop. He expressed confidence that new provinces—specifically Bahawalpur, Hazara, and South Punjab—will ultimately be created.
