Punjab Group Chairman Mian Amer Mahmood has stressed the need for creating new provinces in Pakistan to ensure fair distribution of resources, equal rights, and effective governance, warning that mismanagement and unequal access to resources hinder national progress. Speaking at a seminar titled “Pakistan 2030: Challenges, Opportunities, and New Pathways” organized by private universities under “SupApp” at Punjab University’s Institute of Business Administration, Mian Amer Mahmood said that in the past, wealth and kingdoms were the privilege of monarchs.

About 250 years ago, various empires and monarchies were established across the world, and territories were expanded through conquests. However, with time, countries began to emerge that were driven by the power of their people. Mian Amer Mahmood said in his address that IBA is his own institute, where he studied and even served as a student leader. He added that public awareness and people’s power are the foundations that have completely transformed global political and social systems. 

The Punjab Group chairman said that, over time, nations emerged that were driven by the strength of their people. “Citizens love their country because their rights are recognised and protected there,” he added. He further said that today, in various political science books, we study the principles on which a state is founded, including seven key elements. Nations decided to deliver welfare to the people and divide administrative units, which led to the establishment of provincial governments. 

Recalling history, Mian Amer Mahmood noted that at the time of East Pakistan’s creation, its population was about 30 million and it had four provinces. In contrast, Punjab’s population has now grown from 20 million to nearly 130 million. Speaking on the deprivations of Balochistan, he said that although natural gas is extracted from there, its own people are still deprived of its supply. He stressed that for a strong and sustainable state, ensuring people’s rights, equality, and fair distribution of resources is essential. 

Mian Amer Mahmood said that Pakistan ranks among the lowest in human development and welfare indicators, which is an alarming situation. He pointed out that in the Human Development Index, Pakistan stands at 168 out of 193 countries — ahead only of nations suffering from continuous civil wars. The Punjab Group Chairman stressed that no civilized or developed country ranks below Pakistan, which is a matter of deep concern. He added that in terms of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Pakistan is placed at 140, a position that is by no means admirable. 

He questioned what kind of opportunities Pakistan is providing its people for progress and a better future. “For me, the Human Development Index is the most important benchmark, as it determines how many facilities and opportunities a country gives to its citizens,” he said. Mian Amer Mahmood underlined that this is not about theories but about hard facts. “Developed and welfare states are moving forward by providing education, healthcare, and employment opportunities to their people, while Pakistan has lagged far behind,” he remarked. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)