Mustafa Kamal presented the COAS vision
Devolution of power is incomplete.
**Karachi, August 31** —
Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, on Friday shared Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir’s vision of establishing more provinces in Pakistan, citing it as essential for national progress. The statement was made during a press conference held at the CDL Building, Drug Regulatory Office in Karachi.
Minister Kamal emphasized that Pakistan cannot progress without the creation of additional provinces, highlighting that the COAS first expressed this vision 18 months ago during a meeting with members of the Karachi business community.
He noted that despite constitutional provisions and the Local Government Ordinance (LGO), true devolution of power in Pakistan remains incomplete. “The failure to transfer meaningful power, resources, and responsibilities to lower tiers of government reflects the country’s weak centralization,” he said.
Kamal criticized the dissolution of local governments by provincial authorities, citing financial constraints, lack of public awareness, and resistance from political parties concerned about losing electoral influence. “While many political parties publicly advocate democratic values and devolution, they often oppose the formation of new administrative units due to fear of losing their vote banks,” he added.
He also linked poor governance and high poverty levels to growing internal unrest. “Our people are turning to arms against the Pakistan Army due to frustration with the system,” he warned.
Polio Campaign Update
Shifting focus to public health, Minister Kamal provided an update on the ongoing polio situation in the country. He revealed that traces of the polio virus have been found in the sewage systems of 137 districts. “The anti-polio campaign, originally set to begin on September 1, has been postponed to September 10 in flood-affected areas,” he announced.
He stressed the critical importance of parental cooperation in combating polio, particularly in high-risk districts. “We are standing shoulder to shoulder with health workers across 99 high-risk districts to ensure every child under the age of five receives the oral vaccine,” he stated.
Karachi, he noted, has the highest rate of parental refusal. “Support from parents is vital to prevent children from suffering lifelong paralysis,” he urged.
The minister confirmed that the vaccination campaign has been delayed in several flood-affected districts of Punjab, while in other regions, children under five continue to receive anti-polio drops.
He concluded by urging provincial governments to intensify their efforts in controlling the spread of the virus, especially in regions where it continues to circulate silently and persistently.
