Pakistan’s debate over the creation of new Provinces should now move beyond a narrow regional, linguistic or political discussion and become part of a comprehensive national agenda for governance and structural reform. The central question is not simply how many Provinces Pakistan should have, but how the State can be reorganised so that government, development, public services and decision-making become more accessible, responsive and effective for every citizen.

Pakistan requires a governance reset combining appropriate provincial restructuring with meaningful decentralisation, empowered local governments, administrative reform, bureaucratic efficiency, equitable distribution of national resources, transparency, accountability and effective public service delivery. The objective should be to bring government closer to the people, reduce excessive centralisation and ensure that the benefits of the State reach communities across the country.

The will of the people should occupy a central position in this process. Article 48(6) of the Constitution provides a constitutional mechanism through which the people’s view on a matter of national importance may be sought through a referendum. Under this provision, the President may, on the advice of the Prime Minister and with the approval of a joint sitting of Parliament, refer a matter to the people for a “Yes” or “No” answer.

A referendum should, where constitutionally and legally appropriate, be considered at an early stage of the reform process, before Parliament proceeds to final constitutional restructuring. The Prime Minister and Parliament could consider using this constitutional........

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