Editorial: Empowered local bodies, not a closed debate, is the answer to the provinces question

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) spokesperson, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, has expressed strong opposition to the ongoing discourse surrounding the creation of new provinces or administrative units. During an event in Karachi, he stated that no entity outside Sindh should have the authority to dictate its future. Bhutto-Zardari emphasized that the people of Sindh and their elected representatives have already expressed their decision on this matter, referring to a resolution passed by the Sindh Assembly in early September. He believes this principle should not be contested.

While some members of the PPP's coalition express disagreement, it cannot be used to undermine the legal process that grants each affected province's elected assembly the final say. Unfortunately, as demonstrated in the recent events in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the public mandate and verdicts determined through elections can be disregarded if the central government is determined to do so.

Despite this, Bhutto-Zardari should recognize that his stance may not be as unassailable as he believes, and it may prove challenging to quash this agenda.

The federal government's ruling coalition harbors numerous advocates for the division of provinces into more manageable units. Such voices were amplified in the KP scenario, potentially leading to a trigger for intervention if required. Therefore, a more constructive approach would be to address governance grievances proactively.

The primary reason for governance failures in Pakistan is not the size of the existing provinces, but rather the reluctance of provincial capitals to empower local bodies. The current local government system is inadequate to bring about positive change at the grassroots level.

Creating additional provinces would only result in the addition of costly bureaucratic layers at a time when Pakistan cannot afford them. Additionally, there are significant social costs to consider, as proceeding without public validation could incite ethnic strife. Therefore, empowering local bodies remains the optimal solution to the issues that may prompt the splitting of provinces according to those advocating for administrative restructuring.

The local government system, which has become obsolete, must be revitalized with judicious investment to improve service delivery at the neighborhood level meaningfully.