LONDON: President Asif Ali Zardari has decided to shorten his London visit and return to Pakistan on September 8, as political debate intensifies over proposals to create new provinces and administrative units in the country.
According to credible Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) sources, President Zardari had initially planned to stay in London for another three to four days. However, he has now decided to return earlier amid the evolving political situation and renewed discussion about restructuring Pakistan’s administrative system.
Debate Over New Provinces Intensifies
The debate over creating new provinces gained momentum after Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal proposed dividing Pakistan into 12 to 15 provinces.
Iqbal also called for a national political dialogue on the country’s administrative structure, arguing that the issue required broader discussion and political consideration.
The proposal has triggered debate among political parties, particularly over the future administrative status of existing provinces.
The PPP, a key ally of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has maintained a firm position against any move to divide Sindh. The party has repeatedly stressed that the creation of a new province would require adherence to constitutional procedures, political consensus and public support.
Against this backdrop, President Zardari’s decision to return to Pakistan earlier than originally planned comes at a time when the issue has become increasingly prominent in political circles.
Zardari Arrived in London From Vienna
President Zardari arrived in London from Vienna on September 1 after spending five days in Austria on a private visit.
He was accompanied during the trip by former federal minister Dr Asim Hussain and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla.
Two days after President Zardari reached London, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari joined him in the British capital.
However, according to sources, neither Bilawal nor Bakhtawar will accompany the president when he returns to Pakistan. Both are expected to remain in London for approximately another week before returning.
Bilawal had travelled to London from Paris after spending several days in Austria, while Bakhtawar travelled to the British capital with her husband, Mahmood Chaudhry, and their children.
Bilawal, Zardari reject any move to divide Sindh after London meeting
Family’s Austria Visit Sparks Marriage Reports
The family’s stay in Austria had also generated speculation about Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s personal life.
Reports emerged claiming that President Zardari had travelled to Austria to discuss a possible marriage proposal for Bilawal with a prominent European family.
Bilawal, however, categorically rejected the reports. He said that neither an engagement nor a marriage had taken place and denied knowing anyone referred to in the reports as “Princess Gloria”.
He also made it clear that any decision concerning his personal life would be announced by his family.
Political Focus Shifts to New Administrative Units
President Zardari’s early return comes as the debate over new provinces continues to attract political attention. The proposal to increase the number of provinces has raised questions about constitutional requirements, political consensus and the potential impact on existing provincial structures.
For the PPP, the issue is particularly significant because of its strong opposition to any division of Sindh. The party’s position is that major changes to the country’s provincial structure cannot be made without following constitutional procedures and securing broad political and public support.
With the discussion now gaining momentum, President Zardari’s return to Pakistan is expected to place him closer to the unfolding political debate and consultations surrounding the proposed restructuring of the country’s administrative system.
