President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore, days after the latter sparked controversy by declaring that the existing system had “collapsed” and calling for the creation of new administrative units, a proposal that has drawn firm opposition from the PPP, particularly in the context of Sindh.

President Zardari, who is also PPP co-chairman, arrived in Lahore late on Friday night, but his arrival was not communicated to the PPP’s local chapter, according to party sources. The local leadership also remained unaware of the president’s itinerary on Saturday, the sources said.

Later in the day, it emerged that President Zardari had met Naqvi. Former federal minister Gohar Ejaz and several prominent business figures also attended the meeting, according to media reports.

No official statement was issued about the meeting which took place against the backdrop of the interior minister’s July 30 statement arguing that the existing system was no longer delivering and that additional administrative units were needed.

His remarks triggered a political reaction, particularly from the PPP, which has consistently opposed proposals to divide Sindh or create new provinces in the province.

Naqvi has since sought to clarify his position, maintaining that his remarks aimed at shortcomings in the administrative and governance structure rather than suggesting the federal government or the political system itself was on the verge of collapse.

The clarification effectively shifted the emphasis of his earlier remarks from the stability of the government to the performance of the administrative system.

The issue has figured prominently in political circles as earlier senior PML-N leaders, including PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, also held an important meeting at Nawaz Sharif’s Jati Umrah residence.

The official statement issued after the meeting remained silent on the creation of additional administrative units. The meeting, however, discussed the country’s overall political situation, particularly political rivalries in the run-up to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections.

The PML-N has yet to announce a formal position on the creation of new provinces. Two Punjab provincial ministers, responding to questions at a press conference, said the party had not yet deliberated on the matter.

A PML-N insider earlier told The Express Tribune that Naqvi’s statement had sent shockwaves through the party and beyond, particularly because of the manner in which he articulated his position.

According to the insider, both the PML-N and PPP could be among the biggest political losers under the proposal, as accepting it in its current form could confine the parties to specific regions. Rejecting it, however, also did not appear to be an easy option, leaving the PML-N in a “between the devil and the deep sea” situation.

(WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)