PML-Q leader expresses reservations on FM Qureshi’s presser

BAHAWALPUR (92 News) – Government’s coalition partner Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) leader Tariq Bashir Cheema on Thursday expressed reservations on presser of Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi regarding South Punjab province. Responding to the recent statement of Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Federal Housing Minister Tariq Bashir Cheema said that the people of Bahawalpur region wouldn’t live within South Punjab province. Cheema said that Bahawalpur province have a history, if South Punjab have such a history? He also questioned the logic behind the statement that a region comprises of three districts could not become a province. He said when a small region like Switzerland could become a sovereign state, then Bahawalpur could also become a province. To a question, the minister said that he will ask Shah Mehmood about it when they will meet. He also explained that the people of this region would not live within South Punjab province. “A referendum can decide about the will of the people of Bahawalpur,” he added. The PML-Q leader said the legislation bills about formation of both the provinces have been tabled in the assembly. He said that the coalition partners have yet to sit and discuss the issue of the new provinces. “Whenever they will sit together, hopefully our point of view will be heard. We will present our demands to Imran Khan,” Cheema said. He had promised for restoration of the Bahawalpur province,” he added. FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that the PTI had already introduced a constitution amendment in the National Assembly for this purpose as per its promise. “We require a two-thirds majority to pass this amendment,” he said. He said that the new province will consist of Multan, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan divisions. “The issue of South Punjab is moving ahead practically. We will take the matter ahead in consultation with other parties,” he said. Qureshi said that the South Punjab Assembly will have 120 seats keeping in view the population of these divisions. “An amendment has to be made in the Articles 1, 51, 59, 106, 198, 218 for creating a new province,” he said. He said that South Punjab will be given representation in the Senate. “Seats will also be distributed on the basis of population,” he said. The minister said that a High Court will also be established after the creation of South Punjab and its centre will be Multan