Who Will Become Chief Minister If a New Province Is Created? Bhakkar Residents Suggest Key Names

LAHORE: The debate over the creation of a proposed new province has once again emerged as a topic of discussion among political circles as well as the general public. Residents of Bhakkar have demanded that if a new province comprising areas of southern Punjab and the Saraiki belt is established, its leadership should be entrusted to an experienced and influential political figure from the region.

Among the names being discussed by residents of Bhakkar for the possible chief minister are Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Yousaf Raza Gilani, Makhdoom Javed Hashmi and Aasif Khan, chairman of the Waseb Tehreek, along with other political figures. However, none of these personalities has been formally nominated for the position of chief minister. The names have emerged only as part of public opinion and a possible political scenario.

Citizens said that if a new province comes into existence, the most important question would not only be its geographical boundaries but also its leadership. They said people of a region that has faced administrative and economic deprivation for a long time should be assured that the province would be led by someone familiar with its local issues, geography, resources and public needs.

According to public opinion, the chief minister of the proposed province should be capable of taking all parts of the region along, ensuring fair distribution of resources among districts and bringing underdeveloped areas into the mainstream of development.

Among the names being prominently mentioned is Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who belongs to Multan and has played an important role in southern Punjab politics for decades. Some citizens consider his political experience and familiarity with the region suitable for leading a new province.

Those expressing their views said that if a new province is established, an experienced political personality familiar with the politics and problems of the Waseb could play an important role in establishing its administrative structure during the initial phase.

The name of former prime minister and senior political leader Yousaf Raza Gilani has also been included among the personalities suggested by Bhakkar residents. Gilani belongs to Multan and has extensive political and parliamentary experience.

Citizens said experienced political leadership could help effectively manage administrative affairs and guide the new province through its initial stages.

Makhdoom Javed Hashmi is also considered an important political figure from the Waseb, and some Bhakkar residents believe he could be suitable for provincial leadership.

Similarly, Aasif Khan, chairman of the Waseb Tehreek, has also been suggested by some residents. His supporters believe that personalities who have remained active in the struggle for the creation of a new province and the rights of the Waseb should also have a role in future provincial leadership.

Residents of Bhakkar said the creation of a new province should not merely mean redrawing boundaries on a map. Its fundamental objective should be to provide people with better administrative services, employment opportunities, education, healthcare, infrastructure and effective access to their resources.

They said that in a large province, problems in remote areas often fail to reach senior authorities promptly, resulting in increased public deprivation. The creation of a new province could bring decision-making closer to the people and potentially improve the speed at which local issues are addressed.

Politically, however, the chief minister of any new province would be elected through the formation of a provincial assembly and the constitutional and political process. Therefore, it would be premature at this stage to declare any particular personality a final candidate or likely chief minister.

Nevertheless, the emergence of several names in public discussions in Bhakkar indicates that the debate over a new province is no longer limited to its creation. Public attention is also increasingly focused on its potential leadership and administrative future.

Bhakkar residents said that if a new province is established, it should be led by a person who understands the grievances of the Waseb’s people, gives equal importance to all districts of the region and ensures a fair distribution of resources.

Thus, the question of who would become chief minister if a new province is created remains politically open. However, the people of Bhakkar have made their preference clear: they want the province to be led by an influential, experienced personality from the Waseb who understands the region and its people’s problems.