Saeed Ghani Claims PML-N Lost Elections, Criticizes Debate Over New Provinces

Karachi: Sindh Senior Minister Saeed Ghani has claimed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was heavily defeated in the general elections and alleged that its leadership was brought to power through electoral rigging.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Ghani said the people of Sindh do not want new provinces, adding that demands for creating new provinces have mainly emerged from Punjab, not Sindh.

He emphasized that under Pakistan’s Constitution, new provinces cannot be created at anyone’s request and require the approval of a two-thirds majority in the respective provincial assembly.

Commenting on recent statements by Punjab ministers, Ghani said they had effectively issued a “charge sheet” against their own federal government by raising concerns over port-related issues. He added that Punjab ministers view political matters through the perspective of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

The PPP leader alleged that Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and Maryam Nawaz were declared victorious through electoral manipulation, claiming that “everyone knows” the PML-N had lost the elections. He also criticized political opponents, saying those occupying what he described as “charity seats” were unfairly criticizing his party.

Ghani said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would continue to speak out whenever it believed its electoral mandate had been undermined.

Speaking on development, he welcomed the construction of new hospitals in Punjab but rejected criticism that Sindh had failed to deliver public services. He invited Punjab ministers to visit Sindh and assess the province’s development projects and public welfare initiatives firsthand.

Responding to questions about Karachi Port, Ghani said the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government, adding that those criticizing the port’s condition were effectively questioning the performance of their own administration.

Highlighting Sindh’s healthcare achievements, the provincial minister said institutions such as the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), and Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences provide advanced medical treatment to patients from across Pakistan, including large numbers from Punjab and other provinces.