Imtiaz says ‘there will be no compromise on unity and integrity of Sindh’

KARACHI: Sindh Assembly member Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh has said that discussions regarding the division of Sindh have continued in newspapers, press conferences and television programmes, but there can be no compromise on the unity and integrity of the province.

He said that every issue could be discussed through dialogue, consultation and workable proposals, except the division of Sindh. Sheikh said every individual had the right to present his or her opinion before the Sindh Assembly and the people, adding that it was encouraging that most opposition members had not spoken in favour of dividing Sindh and had instead focused on the province’s development, distribution of powers and empowerment of local bodies.

He said that the claims and discussions regarding the division of Sindh that had been circulating in the political atmosphere did not appear to be translating into a practical or ground-level reality.

He expressed hope that political colleagues would not support elements advocating the division of Sindh and would instead give priority to peace, unity and brotherhood in the province. Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh said that some elements associated with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and other political parties had been speaking about the division of Sindh, but the people of Sindh had always rejected any thinking aimed at creating divisions among the people of the province.

He said all communities living in Sindh should play their role in protecting the unity of the province and promoting peace, harmony and brotherhood. He said the unity of Sindh and its foundations were part of a centuries-old historical heritage. Sindh’s history predates the creation of Pakistan, while the province played a historic role in the Pakistan Movement.

The resolution for the establishment of Pakistan was passed by the Sindh Assembly, he said, adding that Sindh was among those who played a significant role in the creation of Pakistan. Sheikh said that when people migrated to Sindh from different parts of the subcontinent, the people of Sindh opened their doors and hearts to them and welcomed them as brothers.

He said Sindh had historically remained a land of diverse communities, languages and cultures and its identity was rooted in tolerance, peace, love and coexistence. Commenting on statements made by federal ministers regarding new provinces, Sheikh said federal ministers should refrain from making statements that could create mistrust or tension among the federating units.

He said it was the responsibility of the Prime Minister and the federal government to prevent federal ministers from making statements about new provinces that could undermine the unity of existing provinces. He said it was inappropriate for a federal minister belonging to the MQM to speak about the creation of new provinces, adding that such statements were particularly sensitive when made by a member of the federal government.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026