New administrative units ‘under serious consideration’

Top government officials are seriously discussing the creation of new administrative units, potentially paving the way for the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment, according to a high-ranking government official. The discussion is centered around whether to create more provinces, establish new administrative divisions, or revitalize the local government system.

The official, while hesitant to disclose specifics, stated that reaching an agreement among the major political parties would be a significant hurdle. The most promising approach, according to the source, is to create additional provinces to address the consequences of the 18th Amendment, which could resolve many challenges faced by the federal government following power devolution.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently urged political parties to address key national issues, including the creation of new provinces, expressing it as the only solution to improving the country's overall condition, which he described as "collapsed". The proposal has received support from the Supreme Court Bar Association, while the Pakistan Bar Council emphasized that any such move must strictly adhere to the constitutional framework.

Potential divisions include bringing Karachi and Gwadar under federal control, splitting Punjab into three regions, dividing Balochistan into two provinces, and creating Pakhtun and Hazara regions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Alternatively, strengthening the local government system could be another solution, with funds directed directly to local governments from the federal government rather than provinces.