President Asif Ali Zardari is returning to Pakistan earlier than planned amid growing political debate over new provinces and administrative restructuring.
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has decided to cut short his London stay and return to Pakistan amid growing political debate over the creation of new provinces and administrative units, according to sources.
Zardari was initially expected to remain in London for another three to four days. Sources said the president changed his plans as the political situation at home developed and debate over administrative restructuring intensified.
The president arrived in London from Vienna on Sept. 1 after spending about five days in Austria. His European trip was described as private, while his London stay was also publicly characterised as a private visit involving medical check-ups.
However, Zardari’s meetings in London gave the visit a political dimension. He met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, while PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other senior party figures also met him in London. A five-hour meeting between Zardari and Bilawal reportedly focused on Pakistan’s political situation and the party’s position on the division of Sindh.
The political debate intensified after Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal proposed the creation of 12 to 15 provinces and called for a national political discussion on restructuring Pakistan’s administrative system. Iqbal has said political consensus would be necessary for any such move.
The PPP has strongly opposed any move to divide Sindh. The Sindh Assembly also unanimously passed a resolution opposing the division of the province, adding political weight to the party’s position.
According to reports, Zardari’s early return is linked to the need to engage with the evolving political situation, although the president’s visit has not officially been described as a political mission. Dawn reported that some PPP sources acknowledged that the visit had dimensions beyond medical treatment.
Zardari’s return is expected to be followed by meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior PPP leaders. Discussions could include the political situation, government-alliance matters and the debate over new provinces and administrative units.
Meanwhile, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari are expected to remain in London for several more days and return to Pakistan separately.
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