77% of Pakistanis support creation of new Provinces as demand rises 23 points since 2022

Support for the creation of new provinces across Pakistan has increased significantly, with 77% of citizens backing the proposal,

ISLAMABAD:  Support for the creation of new provinces across Pakistan has increased significantly, with 77% of citizens backing the proposal, according to the Meridian Institute’s National Barometer 2026.

The nationwide survey, conducted between October 12 and November 4, 2026, included 5,000 respondents aged between 18 and 64. Its findings indicate a 23-percentage-point increase in public support compared with November 2022, when 54% of respondents favoured the creation of additional provinces.

The results suggest growing public demand for improved administrative access, fair distribution of development resources and more effective governance at the district level.

Karachi recorded the strongest support, with 92% of residents favouring new provinces. The finding highlights concerns over the city’s contribution to revenue generation and demands for greater attention to its development needs.

The survey also found that 82% of urban residents believe provincial governments are not adequately addressing the development requirements of their districts. Support for new provinces stood at 83% among urban respondents and 82% among young people aged 18 to 29.

When respondents were asked whether they supported including their own district in a new province, 73% answered positively. The question reflects the referendum-based approach proposed by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, under which residents would decide whether their districts should become part of newly established administrative units.

Province-wise results showed that Sindh recorded 80% support for new provinces, while 77% favoured including their districts. Karachi’s 92% support contributed significantly to the provincial figure.

In Punjab, 78% supported the proposal, while 74% wanted their own districts included. Strong demand was reported in South Punjab, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Sialkot.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 75% support, with 71% backing the inclusion of their districts, a finding that aligns with demands for a separate Hazara province. In Balochistan, 72% supported new provinces, while 68% favoured including their districts.

Age-based findings showed support at 82% among people aged 18 to 29, 76% among those aged 30 to 44, and 68% among respondents aged 45 to 64. The urban-rural comparison also revealed higher support in cities, at 83%, compared with 72% in rural areas.

The survey comes amid a series of political statements and discussions surrounding administrative restructuring. These include Mohsin Naqvi’s meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari in Nawabshah, his public support for a referendum, and messages attributed to PTI founder Imran Khan favouring new provinces on administrative grounds.

Political figures, including Faryal Talpur and Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan, have also emphasised that people from the relevant areas should have a say in such decisions.

Meanwhile, discussions involving Naqvi and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari have reportedly focused on broader administrative reforms and the proposed creation of new provinces.

The report also highlights a proposed 12-province framework, comprising four provinces in Punjab, three in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, three in Balochistan and two in Sindh. The proposal is being linked to discussions about a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment and a public referendum.

According to the survey’s reported findings, the growing level of public support has intensified calls for political parties and governments to address the issue. However, the timing and constitutional process for any changes remain matters for political and legal consideration.

The findings are based on Meridian National Barometer 2026, Questions 11 and 12, Table 3.1, covering 5,000 respondents aged 18 to 64, with fieldwork conducted from October 12 to November 4, 2026.