New administrative units ‘under serious consideration’

A serious discussion about creating new provinces is underway in Pakistan's power corridors, with a top government official suggesting it could pave the way for a proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment. The proposals reportedly include bringing major cities like Karachi and Gwadar under federal control, and dividing the existing provinces of Punjab into three and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into two units.

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the only solution to improving the country’s overall condition, which he said had “collapsed”.

This initiative aims to address the consequences of the 18th Amendment, which devolved powers to the provinces, by creating new administrative units to better manage federal issues. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently advocated for the creation of new provinces as a solution to the country's "collapsed" condition, urging political parties to resolve key national issues.

The proposal has drawn mixed reactions. The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has endorsed the idea, believing it would promote better governance, equitable economic development, and political stability. SCBA President Haroonur Rashid stated that creating additional provinces would foster devolution and strengthen the country at the grassroots level.

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any constitutional measure to create additional provinces would promote better governance through devolution and equitable administration at the grassroots level, create equal opportunities for balanced economic development and strengthen political stability.

Conversely, the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC), the apex legal body, has emphasized that any such constitutional changes must strictly follow the framework of the Constitution and require national consensus, achieved through parliamentary processes. The government source acknowledged that building consensus among major political parties, many of whom oppose the idea, would be a significant challenge.

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all constitutional matters must be addressed strictly within the framework of the Constitution.