Pakistan Administrative Restructuring: New Provinces Debate Gains Momentum
ISLAMABAD: Debate over restructuring Pakistan’s existing administrative system has gained fresh momentum, with sources saying influential quarters support reviewing the country’s current provincial and administrative arrangement.
However, the issue remains at an early stage. According to sources quoted by The News, no formal proposal has so far been placed before the federal cabinet for approval, while different options are being discussed informally.
Calls for a new administrative structure
The debate has intensified following calls from senior government figures for changes to Pakistan’s existing governance structure.
Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal has proposed creating between 12 and 15 provinces, arguing that Pakistan’s four existing provinces have become highly centralised and may no longer be sufficient for a rapidly growing population.
Iqbal has suggested that each of the four provinces could potentially be divided into three smaller provinces. At the same time, he has emphasised that any major administrative restructuring would require broad political consensus.
He has also proposed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif establish a committee under the law minister to examine administrative reforms and initiate a wider national debate.
Interior minister pushes governance reforms
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also been a prominent voice in the latest debate.
Naqvi has argued that Pakistan’s governance system needs an overhaul to improve service delivery, accountability and access to justice. His call for an “administrative reset” has helped bring the question of new provinces and administrative units into the national conversation.
The discussion has attracted support from influential circles, while the military’s media wing has also called for debate on an administrative reset in view of Pakistan’s growing population and changing governance requirements.
Existing divisions could form basis
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has offered another possible approach to the issue.
According to the report, Asif has argued that the devolution envisioned under the 18th Amendment has not been implemented in its true spirit. He has suggested that Pakistan’s existing 36 divisions could potentially provide a foundation for a revised administrative arrangement.
The precise structure, names and boundaries, however, would require detailed consultation and political agreement.
Sindh raises political concerns
The proposal for new provinces has also generated resistance, particularly in Sindh.
The Sindh Assembly has opposed the creation of new provinces or administrative units in the province, while Pakistan Peoples Party leaders have strongly resisted proposals that could result in the division of Sindh.
This political opposition highlights the sensitivity of any attempt to redraw provincial boundaries or change the country’s federal structure.
No final decision yet
Despite the growing public statements by senior ministers, sources have clarified that Pakistan has not yet taken a final decision on creating new provinces.
The matter has not formally been considered by the federal cabinet, and discussions remain focused on building political and institutional consensus.
Different possibilities are reportedly being examined, including the creation of additional provinces as well as strengthening district-level governments without changing the constitutional status of the existing provinces.
One alternative previously discussed by Ahsan Iqbal involves establishing around 160 empowered district governments, with greater administrative authority transferred closer to citizens.
Constitutional hurdles
Any decision to create new provinces would involve major constitutional and political questions.
The creation of new federating units would require constitutional amendments and agreement among relevant political stakeholders. Provincial assemblies, Parliament, coalition partners and other political groups would therefore have an important role in any future process.
Because of these requirements, administrative restructuring is expected to remain a politically sensitive issue.
What could change for citizens?
Supporters of administrative restructuring argue that smaller and more empowered administrative units could bring government services closer to citizens.
They believe decentralisation could potentially improve access to healthcare, education, policing, justice and other public services while making government officials more accountable at the local level.
Opponents, however, remain concerned about the political, constitutional and financial consequences of creating additional provinces.
Debate likely to continue
For now, Pakistan’s administrative restructuring debate remains in its preliminary phase. There is growing political discussion, but no final decision on the number, boundaries or status of possible new provinces.
The coming months could see wider consultations among political parties, provincial governments and other stakeholders.
If consensus develops, the government could eventually move towards a formal proposal. Until then, the issue remains a major subject of political and governance debate rather than an approved government policy.