Ahsan Iqbal proposes 15–18 new administrative units

Ahsan Iqbal proposes 15–18 new administrative units

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has proposed creating 15 to 18 new provinces or administrative units across Pakistan, along with an elected 27-member assembly for Islamabad.

The proposal is part of preliminary consultations on administrative reforms aimed at bringing decision-making closer to citizens and improving public service delivery.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with journalists and civil society representatives, Iqbal said Pakistan’s existing four-province structure was designed when the country had a much smaller population.

He said the administrative system should now be reviewed in view of Pakistan’s population, which has grown to nearly 250 million.

Iqbal said the government was examining two broad options: strengthening local governments or creating additional administrative units to improve governance and make institutions more responsive.

He stressed that the proposals were still at an initial and consultative stage. After consultations with relevant stakeholders, the recommendations will be presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for consideration.

Under the proposed model for Islamabad, the federal capital would have a 27-member Islamabad Capital Territory Assembly. Of these, 21 members would be directly elected, while five seats would be reserved for women and one for minorities.

The three existing National Assembly constituencies in Islamabad would each be divided into seven ICT constituencies.

The proposed assembly would elect either a chief minister or mayor as the executive head of the capital. The final title and structure would be determined by the federal government.

The proposed ICT government would oversee areas including health and education, while most functions of the Capital Development Authority would also be transferred to it. Master planning and law and order, however, would remain under federal control.

The proposed structure would include a chief secretary, four secretaries, 27 departments and seven specialised authorities. Union councils would continue to serve as the foundation of local government.

The government is also considering a new Islamabad Capital Territory Government Act 2026, which would replace or incorporate existing legal frameworks governing Islamabad and the CDA.

Iqbal said the proposed arrangement would largely reorganise existing institutions rather than require an entirely new financial structure.

However, implementing the broader proposal for new provinces would involve significant constitutional requirements. Changes to provincial boundaries require approval through the constitutional process, including two-thirds majorities in Parliament and the relevant provincial assembly.

An elected legislative structure for Islamabad would also require constitutional and legal amendments, while additional changes may be needed to facilitate the transfer of powers from federal institutions to an ICT government.

The proposals have emerged amid growing discussion among political and administrative circles about restructuring Pakistan’s governance system. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also spoken in favour of creating additional administrative units, while other political figures have supported the idea.

Businessman and former Lahore mayor Mian Aamir Mahmood has separately launched the “Mera Sooba, Mera Nizam” campaign to promote debate on administrative restructuring.

Military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has previously said any decision regarding new provinces must comply with the Constitution and reflect public aspirations.

The proposed reforms could also raise questions regarding provincial autonomy, NFC Award distribution, Senate representation, administrative costs and the creation of new institutions.