Should Pakistan Create New Provinces? A Deep Dive into the Debate

The debate over creating new provinces in Pakistan has resurfaced, sparking discussions across political circles, think tanks, and the media. Some argue that breaking down existing provinces into smaller administrative units could improve governance and resource distribution, while others believe this debate is politically motivated and distracts from urgent issues like the economy, terrorism, and governance reforms.

This article explores the latest proposals, historical context, political reactions, and whether new provinces are truly the solution Pakistan needs.

A recent economic think tank report highlights Pakistan’s unequal provincial structures. Punjab, for example, has a population of over 127 million, while Balochistan has just 14.8 million. Such disparities create challenges in education, employment, healthcare, and poverty reduction.

The think tank proposed three scenarios for reform:

1. 12 provinces – based on Pakistan’s original administrative divisions.
2. 15 to 20 provinces – smaller, more manageable units.
3. 38 federal divisions – converting divisions into full-fledged provinces.

The argument is that smaller provinces could improve governance, bring government closer to the people, and ensure fairer distribution of resources.

The idea of new provinces is not new. Over the decades, movements have emerged in South Punjab, Hazara, and urban Sindh demanding separate provinces. However, none have materialized due to political opposition and constitutional hurdles.

Comparisons are often made with India, which expanded from 17 states to 28. But Pakistan’s case is different:

• India’s model was fueled by strong linguistic movements.
• Pakistan’s federation requires a two-thirds majority in provincial assemblies and parliament to alter boundaries — a politically daunting task.
• Cost implications are massive. Creating new provinces would mean new assemblies, governors, high courts, and administrative infrastructure — an expense critics argue Pakistan cannot afford.

The Awami National Party (ANP) has strongly opposed the idea, calling it a “divide-and-rule” tactic. ANP’s central spokesperson, Engineer Ihsanullah Khan, argued that the debate distracts from real issues like provincial autonomy, constitutional rights, and accountability.

He emphasized that Pakistan is a multi-national federation, and stability lies in strengthening the current federal structure rather than redrawing boundaries.

Experts argue that the real solution does not lie in creating new provinces but in empowering local governments. Countries like the UK have proven that even in a unitary state, strong local bodies ensure effective governance.

If Pakistan constitutionally guarantees the continuity and funding of local governments, much of the inefficiency attributed to large provinces could be resolved without the financial burden of new provinces.

While the idea of creating new provinces in Pakistan resurfaces from time to time, the practicality remains questionable. The cost of new administrative setups, political complexities, and the absence of strong grassroots movements make it unlikely in the near future.

Instead, strengthening local governments, ensuring provincial autonomy, and addressing socio-economic disparities may provide the governance improvements Pakistan urgently needs without dividing provinces or overburdening the economy.