ISLAMABAD: The federal government is preparing a legal and parliamentary framework for debate on the creation of new provinces and administrative units, with the coming two weeks expected to be crucial for progress on the issue.
According to sources, legal and constitutional experts are working on key aspects of the proposed plan, including constitutional questions, parliamentary proceedings and the possibility of holding a referendum.
Preparations are also reportedly under way to initiate discussions in Parliament and formulate a strategy for convening a joint sitting of Parliament if required.
The government has assigned senior political figures and other stakeholders the task of developing consensus among political parties on the proposed creation of new provinces and administrative units.
The issue has gained renewed political momentum in recent weeks, with several federal ministers publicly backing administrative restructuring.
British MP supports new administrative units
British parliamentarian Asif Siddique Sahi, originally from Bahawalpur and elected from Central London, has also called for the creation of new provinces or administrative units in Pakistan.
During a media interaction in Bahawalpur, Sahi said Pakistan could improve governance by ensuring that the benefits of the parliamentary system reached ordinary citizens more effectively.
Naqvi calls for governance reforms
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has previously advocated the creation of additional administrative units, arguing that the existing governance structure has struggled to address the country’s longstanding challenges.
Addressing the first Pakistan Economic Summit in Islamabad, Naqvi said the current system had remained in place for around seven decades but was no longer adequately equipped to deal with emerging national problems.
He stressed that democracy remained essential but pointed out that democratic systems could take different forms. In his view, the country needed structural reforms to address issues that had persisted for decades.
Naqvi warned that maintaining the status quo could mean Pakistan would still be debating the same problems years from now.
He suggested that the question of creating new provinces or administrative units should ultimately be placed before the public for a decision.
The minister also acknowledged that not every aspect of the existing political system was flawed, but said ordinary citizens continued to face difficulties in accessing basic services and facilities.
The government’s latest move signals a possible shift from political discussion towards a more formal legal and parliamentary process on the long-standing demand for administrative restructuring.
