There May Have Been Talks With PML-N Over New Provinces Project: Rana Sanaullah
Mian Nadeem
Published September 13, 2026 | 03:33 PM
Backchannel talks with Imran Khan are underway, and while there have been no initiatives from the PML-N to divide provinces, the prime minister’s adviser, Rana Sanaullah, revealed this to senior journalists in Lahore.
Rana Sanaullah stated that if the topic of dividing provinces is brought before Parliament, everyone will share their views. He suggested that such a move could result in either the creation of new administrative divisions or local government elections.
He further elaborated during his meeting with journalists at the residence of Mujeeb ur Rehman Shami, a senior journalist in Lahore. Present were Rana Arshad, Chief Whip of the Punjab Assembly and other PML-N leaders, as well as several prominent journalists.
Sanaullah acknowledged that there may have been discussions regarding a project for new provinces with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). He emphasized that while the PML-N did not initiate this project, they would not remain silent if it was brought to Parliament without their input.
He affirmed that there is still ample time before any decisions regarding provincial division are made, potentially taking six to eight months. He attributed the uncertainty surrounding the issue to ongoing discussions and the potential formation of a parliamentary committee.
The PML-N, according to Sanaullah, has not taken an official position on dividing provinces. Specifically, they oppose merging Bahawalpur with southern Punjab. He noted that while proposals exist for making Bahawalpur a separate province or keeping it within Lahore, no definitive statement has been issued by the PML-N in support of provincial division.
He further claimed that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has capitalized politically on this issue. Zardari, the President, had previously supported a canal project which was later halted due to public protests.
Regarding Imran Khan, Sanaullah hinted at backchannel negotiations but cautioned that such moves come with a price. He also expressed concern about PTI rallies in Islamabad, alleging that Fitna al-Khawarij (a term referring to extremist groups) sponsored by India could target these events, creating distance between the government and the public.
Finally, Sanaullah declared that if the federal interior minister addresses the cabinet or Senate, they will demand answers from him. He also mentioned a meeting between Sheikh Qaiser, the federal minister, and Shehbaz Sharif.
