Hazara Province Demand Should Not Be Delayed, Says Yousaf
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Oct, 2026)
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Chairman Hazara Province Movement, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, has called for the creation of Hazara province without further delay. He stated that the region’s case has already been taken up by both the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and the National Assembly.
Addressing a large Hazara Province Convention hosted by Senator Talha Mahmood at Haripur, Sardar Yousaf emphasized that the demand for a separate province is based on administrative grounds, and the movement is now focused on parliamentary and constitutional forums. He confirmed that:
- "The Hazara province movement is strong and its case is ready."
- Resolutions in favor of the province had been passed three times by the provincial assembly.
- Bills seeking the creation of Hazara province have been introduced in the National Assembly in 2019 by both opposition and government members.
Sardar Yousaf urged lawmakers to take steps for the creation of the province, highlighting that delays in public welfare matters can lead to frustration among citizens.
Other Notable Statements:
- Senator Talha Mahmood argued that Haripur would be the economic backbone of a future Hazara province and dismissed concerns about resource availability.
- Former federal minister Murtaza Javed Abbasi affirmed that the people of Hazara would not accept any other outcome than the inclusion of Hazara in a new province.
- Former chief minister Pir Sabir Shah stated that the people of Hazara are united behind the demand, while Jamaat-i-Islami Hazara leader Abdul Razzaq Abbasi expressed full party support for the creation of a separate province.
- Retired Brigadier Shahzad Awan highlighted Hazara’s significant natural and tourism resources, including dams and reserves, but claimed the region is not receiving adequate benefits from them.
- Movement coordinator Prof Sajjad Qamar argued that Hazara deserves a larger share of the National Finance Commission award, emphasizing greater control over its resources for development and federation contributions.
- Prince Fazal Haq and former lawmaker Nawabzada Wali Mohammad also voiced their support for the demand.