Pakistan, Sept. 12 -- Prime Minister's Adviser Rana Sanaullah says a referendum could follow parliamentary approval for creating new provinces. He said the debate should take place in parliament rather than economic forums or seminars. Speaking in Lahore, he said public support would ultimately matter in the process. He added that parliament would address the question if people demanded new provinces.

Rana said discussions at forums would not produce meaningful progress on the provinces issue. He noted that the relevant federal minister had not raised the matter in parliament or cabinet. According to Rana, the cabinet has not yet formally discussed creating new provinces. He said a joint parliamentary session could approve the proposal b...