Summary Mian Amer Mahmood said new provinces would reduce expenses, rejecting claims they would increase costs, and stressed the need for better governance as populations grow.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Punjab Group of Colleges Chairman Mian Amer Mahmood has said that countries around the world have increased their administrative units as their populations have grown, and that the creation of new provinces would help reduce expenses.
Speaking at the launch of an awareness campaign titled “My Province, My System,” Mian Amer Mahmood rejected the notion that creating new provinces would increase government expenditure.
He said the idea that new provinces would lead to higher costs was incorrect, arguing that administrative units had been expanded in countries around the world in response to population growth.
Mian Amer Mahmood also praised Chaudhry Abdul Rehman, saying he was showing young people the right direction.
He added that mayors and governors around the world consistently focus on their provinces and governance, highlighting the importance of effective administration.
Calling for the creation of smaller provinces in Pakistan, he said the move could bring significant economic and administrative benefits, particularly to Balochistan.
Speaking about the need for administrative reforms, Mahmood said Punjab faced widespread criticism across the country and argued that the reasons behind what he described as hostility towards the province needed to be examined.
He said Punjab contributes billions of rupees to Balochistan every year, yet Punjabis continued to face violence in some parts of the country because of their identity.
Mahmood said people in Punjab were ready for the creation of smaller provinces. He claimed that Balochistan could be divided into provinces based on its eight divisions and argued that the resulting provinces could become among the wealthiest in the country.
He said Balochistan would potentially benefit the most from the creation of smaller provinces, while new provinces in Sindh could rank second in terms of economic prosperity.
“We have an opportunity today to take steps to improve our future,” Mahmood said.
He also highlighted the economic potential of Thar in Sindh, saying the region had significant resources and potential.
Discussing the education sector, Mahmood said Pakistan had one of the world's largest populations of children who do not attend school. He further claimed that a majority of children who do attend school cannot read a fifth-grade textbook.
Mahmood said there was a need to establish a system of governance that was better suited to local needs.
“We will bring our own system to our own place,” he said, adding that young people in Pakistan wanted good governance. Mahmood expressed optimism about the country's future, saying he remained hopeful that Pakistan would move forward.
US consul general highlights technology and Pakistan-US cooperation
US Consul General in Lahore Stetson Sanders has highlighted the growing use of technology in Pakistan, saying it is changing people’s lives and creating new opportunities for students and young entrepreneurs.
Addressing the event, Sanders said technology was being used in different areas in Pakistan. He described See Pakistan as a platform providing students with opportunities to build their futures and develop their potential.
The US consul general also highlighted the use of American technology at the Punjab Safe Cities Authority, saying it was helping improve safety for people in Punjab.
Sanders expressed hope that an Apple headquarters office would also be established in Pakistan.
He further said there was encouraging news for young entrepreneurs through education and exchange initiatives between Pakistan and the United States. He said cooperation between the two countries in various fields has continued for more than two decades.
The US consul general emphasized the importance of continued engagement between Pakistan and the United States, particularly in technology, education and opportunities for young people.
HEC chairman says Pakistan offers vast opportunities for young people
Higher Education Commission Chairman Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed has said rapid changes are taking place in the education sector and higher education should remain a national priority.
Speaking at an event, he said educational institutions have an important role in developing students’ skills and capabilities. He added that Pakistan offers vast opportunities for young people, with a large number receiving scholarships over the past five years.
Dr Niaz said Pakistan’s higher education system continues to provide educational opportunities and scholarships to youth. He also highlighted the contribution of Pakistani doctors serving around the world.
Minister of State for Education Wajiha Qamar said Pakistani youth possess immense talent and the country has the ability to overcome challenges.
She said that Pakistan’s youth possess immense talent, while foreign investors are increasingly looking towards the country. She added that Pakistan has the ability to overcome any challenge.
