Pakistan's proposal to expand its four-province structure to as many as 12 has gathered momentum, with senior ministers backing it in the name of better governance. But the idea faces a major political hurdle: there is no consensus among the country's leading parties, particularly over the possible division of Sindh.Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif has argued that Pakistan's growing population requires smaller provinces that can deliver public services more efficiently. Speaking to Geo News, he said the country could consider creating 12 provinces, provided the boundaries were drawn on administrative rather than linguistic, ethnic or political grounds.“If there is a proposal for 12 provinces, then make it 12,” Asif said, adding that new units should not be created to serve “language, ethnicity or political interests”.Pakistan’s interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also revived the debate, suggesting a referendum to gauge public opinion on the contentious issue. His remarks have fuelled speculation that powerful quarters favour a broader restructuring of Pakistan's administrative map, with reports pointing to a possible constitutional exercise in 2027.No formal roadmap, however, has been announced. The proposed number of provinces, their boundaries and the process for creating them remain undecided.What the proposed 12-province map could look likeOne proposal reported in Pakistani media envisages dividing Punjab into four provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan into three each, and Sindh into…
Redrawing Pak: Ministers back 12-province plan but pol, constitutional hurdles remain
Pakistan is considering expanding its administrative framework by increasing its provinces from four to twelve, aiming for more efficient governance. Senior officials argue that smaller provinces could enhance public service delivery. Yet, this ambitious initiative faces political hurdles and requires unity among major parties. Redefining boundaries will necessitate constitutional amendments, and a potential…
In brief
Pakistan's proposal to expand its four-province structure to as many as 12 has gathered momentum, with senior ministers backing it in the name of better governance. The proposed number of provinces, their boundaries and the process for creating them remain undecided.What the proposed 12-province map could look likeOne proposal reported in Pakistani media envisages dividing Punjab into four provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan into three each, and Sindh into…
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