Pakistan faces debate over creating new provinces

The debate over creating new provinces or administrative units in Pakistan has intensified, involving high-level political disagreements and discussions on governance efficiency. Senator Rana Sanaullah, advisor to the Prime Minister, stated that no final decision or government policy can be made until the matter is formally presented in the relevant parliamentary forums. He emphasized that consensus among political circles and public opinion is essential for such a significant restructuring.

In Sindh, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has strongly opposed the move. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon criticized federal ministers advocating for new provinces, questioning their legitimacy and suggesting that such decisions should only be made by representatives with a genuine public mandate. The Sindh Assembly recently passed a resolution rejecting the creation of new provinces.

Proponents of restructuring argue that the current four-province framework, unchanged since 1970, struggles to manage a population exceeding 240 million. They suggest that smaller administrative units could reduce the distance between citizens and decision-makers, improve service delivery in health and education, and address regional disparities. However, critics warn that hasty decisions could undermine federal unity and exacerbate existing political tensions.