Pakistan weighs major overhaul of administrative structure

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s debate over restructuring its administrative system is gaining momentum, with influential circles reportedly backing a review of the existing provincial setup.

However, no formal proposal has yet been placed before the federal cabinet, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

The debate centres on whether Pakistan needs additional provinces, smaller administrative units or stronger local governments to improve governance and public service delivery.

Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal has proposed increasing the number of provinces to between 12 and 15.

He has argued that the existing four-province structure has become heavily centralised and may no longer be suitable for a country with a population of around 260 million.

One model suggested by Iqbal involves dividing each of the four provinces into three smaller provinces.

He has stressed that such a major administrative change cannot be implemented without broad political agreement.

Iqbal has also proposed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif establish a committee through the law ministry. The committee could examine different options for administrative reform and initiate a wider political debate.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also been advocating changes to the governance structure.

Naqvi has argued that the current system needs an overhaul to improve government efficiency, accountability and access to justice.

His calls have added momentum to the discussion about creating new administrative units.

The idea has also received support from influential quarters. The military’s media wing has previously called for discussion on an “administrative reset” in response to Pakistan’s growing population and changing governance requirements.

However, the proposal faces strong political opposition in some parts of the country.

Sindh remains particularly sensitive to the issue.

The Sindh Assembly has opposed the creation of new provinces or administrative units in the province.

Pakistan Peoples Party leaders have also resisted proposals that could result in the division of Sindh.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has offered another possible approach.

He has argued that the devolution process envisaged under the 18th Amendment has not been implemented in its full spirit.

Asif has suggested that Pakistan’s 36 existing divisions could potentially form the basis of a restructured administrative system.

He has indicated that the exact structure and terminology could be determined through consultations.

Sources stressed that public statements by ministers should not be interpreted as confirmation of a government decision.

No agreement has been reached on the number, names or boundaries of possible new provinces.

Several options are reportedly being examined informally.

One possibility is the creation of additional provinces. Another is to strengthen district-level governments while keeping the existing provinces intact.

Iqbal has previously suggested establishing around 160 empowered district governments as an alternative to creating a large number of provinces.

The objective would be to transfer greater administrative authority closer to citizens.

Any move to create new provinces would face a complicated constitutional process.

It would require constitutional amendments and political support at both the federal and provincial levels.

Changes involving provincial boundaries would also require approval from the relevant provincial assembly.

Sources said the current stage is focused mainly on building political and institutional consensus.

The government has yet to formally decide whether it will pursue new provinces, empowered districts or another model of administrative reform.

Any formal proposal would first require consultations with coalition partners and other political stakeholders.

Only after such consultations could the matter be taken to the federal cabinet and, eventually, parliament.

For now, the restructuring debate remains at an early stage.