Pakistan’s discussion on creating new provinces has largely focused on geography, political representation and administrative convenience. Those issues are important, but there is another question that deserves equal attention: what kind of government should a new province actually have?

Pakistan’s administrative needs have changed considerably with population growth, rapid urbanisation and the expansion of major cities. Government institutions that were designed for a very different demographic and economic reality now have to serve much larger populations. In several parts of the country, administrative distances have also made the delivery of basic services more difficult. Smaller administrative units could therefore help bring decision-making closer to citizens.

But creating smaller units will not automatically produce better governance. If every new province is established as a smaller replica of the existing provincial system, Pakistan could end up with more governments without necessarily having better government.

If every new province is established as a smaller replica of the existing provincial system, Pakistan could end up with more governments without necessarily having better government.

If every new province is established as a smaller replica of the existing provincial system, Pakistan could end up with more governments without necessarily having better government.

The present provincial structure is expensive to maintain. A conventional province requires a chief minister, cabinet, ministers, advisers, secretariat, departments and a substantial political and administrative establishment. There are also official residences, vehicles, protocol, offices, staff and other recurring expenditures associated with the........

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