‘Territorial integrity non-negotiable’: SA passes resolution against ‘conspiracy’ to ‘divide Sindh’

• CM Murad Ali Shah moves resolution in assembly to reaffirm Sindh’s unity, declares Karachi Inseparable

• PTI, JI members support resolution while MQM-Pakistan MPAs in House oppose it

• CM terms Sindh ‘not merely an administrative unit but one of world’s oldest living civilisations,’

• Stresses a province that played a foundational role in the creation of Pakistan can’t allow fragmentation of its historic homeland

 KARACHI: The Provincial Assembly of Sindh on Saturday passed a resolution rejecting what was described as a “conspiracy” to divide the province. The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, was supported by members of PTI and Jamaat-e-Islami, while MPAs of MQM-Pakistan opposed it.

Presenting the strongly worded resolution on the floor of the House, the chief minister condemned what he termed “divisive statements” about breaking up Sindh or separating Karachi, declaring that the province’s unity and territorial integrity are non-negotiable and constitutionally protected.

During the session of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, the Honorable Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, spoke in favor of the resolution, asserting that:

Sindh is an ancient, historically unified civilization with a distinct identity that predates modern borders, and… pic.twitter.com/qv9gVQ3gip

— Provincial Assembly of Sindh (@pasgovofficial) February 21, 2026

In a detailed address, Murad Ali Shah said Sindh was “not merely an administrative unit but one of the world’s oldest living civilisations,” tracing its identity from Mohenjo-Daro to the historic Sindh Legislative Assembly, which passed the Pakistan Resolution in 1943. “A province that played a foundational role in the creation of Pakistan cannot allow the fragmentation of its historic homeland,” he asserted.

Condemning calls to carve out Karachi as a separate province, the chief minister maintained that the city, historically known as Kolachi, emerged from Sindh’s soil and remains geographically, historically and emotionally inseparable from it.

“Any attempt to divide Sindh or detach Karachi runs contrary to history, the Constitution and democratic norms,” he said, warning that such rhetoric damages national cohesion.

Referring to constitutional safeguards, Murad Ali Shah cited Article 239 of the 1973 Constitution, which requires the consent of not less than two-thirds of the concerned provincial assembly for any alteration of provincial boundaries.

“If any such move is attempted, it is this Assembly—by a two-thirds majority—that will decide,” he told lawmakers.

Recalling precedent, the chief minister said a similar resolution had been adopted by the Sindh Assembly in 1994, stressing that this was “not the first time” the province had resisted attempts to undermine its unity. He also noted that when Karachi was declared the capital in 1948, the country did not yet have a constitution, adding that present-day constitutional clarity leaves no room for unilateral decisions.

The resolution condemned “any conspiracy aimed at the division of Sindh or the creation of a separate province comprising Karachi,” reaffirmed that Karachi shall “forever remain” an integral part of Sindh, and urged all political stakeholders to refrain from divisive rhetoric. It further directed the provincial government to forward the resolution to the President, the Prime Minister, the Chairman Senate and the Speaker National Assembly for record.

Without naming any political party, Murad Ali Shah said the resolution targeted no individual and invited members to read it carefully and raise objections, if any, through democratic debate. “Opposing this resolution would amount to supporting the division of Sindh,” he remarked.

Highlighting Sindh’s historical struggles—from its separation from the Bombay Presidency in 1936 to resistance against the One Unit scheme—the chief minister said the people of Sindh had consistently defended their province through constitutional and political means. He also invoked the slogan “Pakistan Khappay,” raised by Asif Ali Zardari, reiterating that the Pakistan Peoples Party stands for national unity and federalism.

“PPP will never go against Pakistan’s integrity. It is you who speak of dividing Pakistan,” he said in a pointed rebuttal to critics.

Responding to the opposition’s debate, the chief minister categorically rejected claims that the resolution was unconstitutional, challenging opponents to identify even a single clause that violated the law. He emphasised that the essence of the resolution was straightforward: the House does not accept any division of Sindh.

“If you want to ensure that Sindh is never divided, you must support this resolution,” he said, clarifying that it was not an attack on freedom of expression but a clear stance on territorial integrity.

Addressing objections regarding references to the Governor, Murad Ali Shah said the resolution itself did not name the Governor and that any such mention by a member could be expunged from the proceedings. He, however, acknowledged that a meeting on related matters had taken place at the Governor’s House.

Responding to remarks by Provincial Minister Jam Khan Shoro, the chief minister defended references to history, urging the opposition to reflect on its own past. Rejecting claims of a “hidden conspiracy” behind the resolution, he retorted: “You say you smell something, but I smell something from your conduct.”

Concluding his speech, Murad Ali Shah said the late Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had secured provincial rights in the Constitution and that the PPP remains their guardian.

“Even the thought, dream or idea of breaking Sindh will never succeed,” he declared.

Members from both treasury and opposition benches also took part in the debate. Earlier, the session began with recitation from the Holy Quran and Naat Sharif, with Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah in the chair.