PTI backs new provinces with constitutional consensus

PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan has voiced support for the creation of new provinces, saying administrative

PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan has voiced support for the creation of new provinces, saying administrative reforms are needed to improve governance, but stressed that any such move must be carried out strictly under the Constitution and with broad political consensus.

Speaking during a television interview on Thursday, Gohar described the formation of new provinces as a national necessity. However, he emphasized that constitutional requirements must be fulfilled, including securing a two-thirds majority in the relevant provincial assemblies before any proposal could move forward.

The PTI chairman also expressed skepticism about Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif completing his full five-year constitutional term, though he did not elaborate on the reasons behind his remarks.

The debate over creating new provinces gained momentum after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently argued that Pakistan’s governance system had become ineffective and required major structural reforms, including the establishment of additional administrative units. Naqvi later clarified that his comments reflected concerns about the country’s governance over several decades rather than criticism of the current government.

The proposal has drawn mixed political reactions. Murad Ali Shah firmly rejected any suggestion of dividing Sindh, stating that the provincial assembly has repeatedly passed unanimous resolutions opposing such a move. He maintained that any change would require constitutional approval through a two-thirds majority in the concerned assembly.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah distanced the government from Naqvi’s remarks, describing them as the minister’s personal opinion. He said any discussion on creating new provinces should take place in parliament and follow the constitutional process.

Sanaullah noted that establishing new provinces involves complex constitutional, financial and administrative considerations, including representation in parliament and resource distribution.