Pakistan considers 12-province plan, nationwide referendum

A proposal to create 12 provinces in Pakistan is under consideration, with a nationwide referendum being proposed to seek public support before moving towards a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment.

The proposed restructuring aims to improve governance, strengthen administrative efficiency and ensure a more balanced distribution of development resources across the country.

According to sources familiar with the plan, the constitutional amendment could be considered in the first half of 2027, while preparatory work may begin during the first quarter of the year.

Under the proposed arrangement, Punjab could be divided into four provinces, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan could each have three provinces. Sindh may be divided into two administrative units, taking the total number of provinces to 12.

However, the proposal is still at an initial stage, and no final decision has been reached on provincial boundaries, administrative arrangements or the constitutional mechanism required to implement the plan.

A nationwide referendum is being considered as an important step before the formal amendment process. The exercise would allow citizens to express their views on the creation of new provinces and provide a public mandate for the proposed restructuring.

Sources said the initiative was not aimed at weakening any existing province or undermining its political and administrative position. Instead, it was being considered in response to population growth, governance challenges and unequal development across different regions.

Supporters of the proposal believe smaller provinces could bring government institutions closer to citizens and improve access to public services. They argue that smaller administrative units would also help authorities identify local needs, monitor development projects and respond more effectively to public concerns.

The referendum is also being viewed as a possible way to take the debate beyond political rivalries and electoral interests. The creation of new provinces has remained a sensitive political issue, often raising questions about regional identity, representation and the distribution of resources.

A public consultation could help build consensus on the broader idea of administrative restructuring. However, decisions regarding provincial boundaries, financial resources, constitutional protections and the transfer of administrative powers would still require extensive political and parliamentary discussions.

Any move to establish additional provinces would involve major constitutional changes and require wider political agreement.

The proposal is being presented as an administrative reform intended to improve service delivery, promote balanced development and make government more accessible and accountable to citizens across Pakistan.