Many compelling reasons have been cited by analysts for not creating new provinces in the prevailing political, economic and financial conditions with risks to fragile stability while priority should go to the most urgently needed reforms.

However, no less important is the lack of clarity in public policy on such a major politically divisive issue: should provinces be created for administrative reasons under a centralised system operating at the federal or provincial level or on an ethnic and sub-national basis to forge a legitimate participatory federal democratic structure?

It is argued by a growing number of analysts that the foundation of democracy can only be laid by empowering local bodies, communities, and citizens to build a future for themselves as envisioned by the Constitution. The citizen’s access to ministers and legislators would remain restricted compared to that of citizens, nazims and councillors also residing in the same villages and cities.

Creating new provinces under a hybrid regime is like putting a cart before the horse. The province of Balochistan was created in 1970. How Balochistan, or even the Federally Administered Tribal Area — before its merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — are now faring in regard to provincial autonomy and control over their own resources is well-known.

Empowered local bodies would minimise dissatisfaction........

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