We need administrative reform and accountability

Our rapidly growing population has increased pressure on its administrative system. With around 260 million people, the country needs reforms to ensure that public services, funds and development projects reach people fairly. However, changing administrative boundaries alone will not solve the problem. Those responsible for designing and implementing reforms must also be held accountable for their failures.

Since 1951, Pakistan’s population has increased more than sevenfold. Yet the country still has four provinces with major differences in population, size and development needs. Punjab has around 128 million people, while Balochistan has fewer than 15 million spread across a much larger area. This imbalance raises questions about whether the existing system can effectively meet local needs.

The 18th Constitutional Amendment transferred important responsibilities, including health and education, to the provinces. The 7th National Finance Commission Award also increased the provinces’ share of federal tax revenues. However, decision-making remains concentrated in provincial capitals, leaving many remote districts struggling for attention and resources.

Education highlights these failures. According to the cited figures, 28 per cent of Pakistani children aged five to 16 are out of school. The rate is 21 per cent in Punjab and 45 per cent in Balochistan. Such differences demand serious action, not routine announcements.

Pakistan should consider creating smaller administrative units, whether through new provinces or stronger local governments. Other countries, including Nigeria, Indonesia and Kenya, have changed their administrative structures to improve representation. But more units do not automatically mean better governance. Without funding, trained staff and clear responsibilities, new administrations could simply create more expenses.

The most important reform, however, must begin with those who oversee reforms. Political leaders, senior officials and institutions responsible for public administration must answer for poor planning, wasted money, weak service delivery and repeated failures. They cannot demand better performance from lower-level officials while escaping scrutiny themselves.

The country also needs better tax collection, transparent budgets and regular public reporting on development targets. Every department should have measurable goals, and independent reviews should identify failures and ensure corrective action.