‘South Punjab’ slogan echoes again as parties seek votes

LAHORE: Seraiki Wasaib witnesses the slogan of making of a new province — Southern Punjab — in every general election, as it is a source to pull votes. Before the general elections, the PPP, PMLN and PTI raised the slogans of creation of a new province and secured votes from the Wasaib but the province was not made.

Successive governments have supported the idea of South Punjab province, but none could go ahead with the promise. Now, the general election is scheduled to be held on February 8 and the slogan of a new province is again echoing in South Punjab. This time only, the PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has talked about the creation of South Punjab.

Talking to the newsmen in Multan, Bilawal said the PPP had got a resolution passed from the Senate for creation of a new province and it will continue such efforts in future.

According to Abdul Majeed Kanju, President Seraiki National Party, ‘’It's not uncommon for political parties to use regional issues, such as the creation of a new province, as part of their election strategy to garner support from specific regions or communities. Promising the creation of a separate province, in this case, Southern Punjab can indeed be a tactic to attract votes from people who may feel underrepresented or marginalized,” he added.

He termed it only a slogan from Bilawal to attract Wasabi voters. The process of creating a new province involves constitutional amendments and requires approval from the federal and provincial legislatures. It is only possible when politicians, judiciary and establishment will consensus.

Kanju added that the political parties often highlight regional development, identity, and autonomy as part of their election campaigns to appeal to the sentiments of the local population. However, it's important to note that campaign promises don't always translate into immediate action, and the actual process of creating a new province involves legal, constitutional, and administrative steps.

According to him, ‘’Our people want Seraikistan province, and they don’t want ‘’South Punjab’’ province. We are striving for our identity, province on administrative basis is not acceptable for people of wasabi, he added.

Pervaiz Qadir, a Seraiki nationalist and intellectual says, Bilawal Bhutto is not serious about making a new province. If he is, creation of a new province would have been part of PPP’s manifesto, he adds.

He says voters should critically evaluate political promises, considering the feasibility and potential implications of such proposals. Additionally, political landscapes can change, and parties may adjust their positions based on evolving circumstances. It's advisable for voters to stay informed about the latest developments and to assess political promises in the broader context of governance and Wasaib’s interests.

In 2013, the province was a part of manifesto of PMLN, PPP and PTI as well, shared Zahoor Dhareja, Chairman Seraikistan Qaumi Council. He further explains that the PMLN could create a new province in 2013 when the party got a two-third majority in the assembly. At that time, legislation for a new province was easy but nothing was done.

He further says that the PMLN has damage Seraikistan province by presenting creation of two provinces – Bahawalpur and South Punjab. In this way, they tried to divide the people of Wasaib. In reality, they wanted to hinder the way of a new province. This proposal was rejected by the Seraiki people and they termed it a conspiracy against Wasabi, added Dhareja.

He added that former Punjab chief minister Sardar Usman Buzdar had formed executive committees at federal and provincial levels for creation of South Punjab province on administrative grounds.

“Actually, it was a negation of Seraiki identity as a nation. We want Seraikistan province, as Sindh is for Sindhis, KP for Pakhtoon, Balochistan for Baloch and Punjab for Punjabis, he added.

He further explains that the carving of a new province out of the existing Punjab remains a hot topic for political parties in the general election. Now, Jahangir Tareen, central leader of Istehkam Pakistan Party (IPP), is longing for a new province. He raised the issue during the general election of 2018 but did nothing practically. According to Dhareja, the people of Wasaib have alienated themselves from the ruling elite, as they are not real representatives of people. Our ruling elite always raise the slogans of democracy and constitution. Their democracy is not inclusive and our demands for Seraikistan province is a constitutional right, Dhareja concluded.