Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday expressed support for the creation of new provinces in Pakistan and stressed the need to build small water reservoirs in rain-fed areas to reduce flood damage.
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, the minister said that forming new provinces should not be seen as a controversial subject. He welcomed a national debate on the matter and stated that there would be no objection if such provinces were created after thorough discussion and consensus.
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Khawaja Asif also highlighted the importance of water management in the country. He proposed constructing small water reservoirs in barani regions, including his hometown Sialkot, to better handle the impact of heavy rainfall and floods. According to him, large dams are important but face delays and controversy, as they take six to seven years to complete. In contrast, smaller dams can be built quickly, cover more areas, and provide faster relief to communities.
The defence minister said Pakistan faces the risk of floods every year, and adopting a mix of both small and large reservoirs is essential to safeguard agricultural land, control water flow, and protect communities from recurring disasters.
