Bill proposes creation of ‘Western Punjab’ as new province

Faisalabad Division and Sahiwal Division would be included in the new Western Punjab province...

A significant constitutional amendment bill proposing the creation of a new province carved out of Punjab was tabled in the National Assembly on Friday, marking a bold step in Pakistan’s long-running debate over administrative restructuring.

The bill, presented by MNA Riaz Hussain Fatyana during the House’s private members’ day, seeks to divide Punjab into two separate provinces — retaining Punjab in the east and establishing a new entity named Western Punjab. The proposed division, the bill argues, is a “pressing need of the hour” due to Punjab’s rapidly growing population and mounting administrative challenges.

Under the plan, Faisalabad Division and Sahiwal Division would be included in the new Western Punjab province. These areas, known for their agricultural productivity, industrial hubs, and forest reserves, would, according to the bill, be fully capable of sustaining themselves economically and administratively as an independent province.

The constitutional amendment suggests changes to multiple articles of the Constitution — including Articles 1, 51, 59, 106, 154, 175A, 198, and 218 — to facilitate the restructuring. These amendments would also alter the allocation of seats in both the provincial assemblies and the National Assembly.

If passed, Punjab’s representation in the National Assembly would be reduced to 114 general seats and 24 reserved for women, totalling 138. Western Punjab would receive 27 general seats and 8 reserved seats for women. The redistribution would also see Sindh allotted 75 seats, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 55, Balochistan 20, and Islamabad 3.

The proposal would increase the total number of provinces in Pakistan, while keeping the federal capital as a separate administrative unit. Proponents believe that the new province would lead to more efficient governance, improved service delivery, and greater political representation for its residents.

The bill has sparked immediate interest and debate in political circles. Supporters argue that decentralisation is essential to address administrative bottlenecks and ensure equitable distribution of resources, while critics fear that the move could deepen political fragmentation and strain the federation.

Following its presentation, the Speaker of the National Assembly referred the bill to the relevant standing committee for further review, signalling that the proposal will undergo detailed scrutiny before any final decision is taken.

If approved, the creation of Western Punjab would mark the first major change to Pakistan’s provincial map in decades, reshaping both the political and administrative landscape of the country.