Pakistan Debates Creation of New Provinces to Improve Governance

A debate has emerged in Pakistan over whether to create new provinces or administrative units to improve governance for a population of approximately 260 million people. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal have proposed administrative reforms, with Iqbal suggesting the creation of 12 to 15 new provinces or 160 empowered district governments. Naqvi argued that the current structure cannot effectively manage the country's growing population, though he emphasized that any changes must occur within the legal framework and with public support.

Opposition to the plan is significant. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan warned that hasty decisions made without consensus would weaken the federation. Similarly, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas questioned why the matter is being raised outside of parliament and argued that the focus should instead be on strengthening local governments and holding free and fair elections. Within the ruling coalition, the PPP has strongly opposed the creation of new units in Sindh, while the MQM-P has demanded that Karachi become a separate province.

Experts and officials are divided on the most effective solution. Some argue that the four existing provinces are too large and centralized to deliver adequate health and education services. Others, including former finance minister Miftah Ismail and political scientist Muhammad Shoaib, contend that empowering local governments is a more effective way to improve service delivery than redrawing provincial boundaries. Critics also warn that new provinces could trigger disputes over water, taxation, and natural resources, while increasing costs for new bureaucracies and assemblies.