Pakistan is once again debating the creation of new provinces or smaller administrative units. The discussion gained momentum in mid-2026 when Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called for a “reset” of the country’s administrative structure. He argued that the existing four-province system can no longer manage a population of over 250 million and deliver basic services effectively. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal floated the idea of 12 to 15 provinces or empowering 160 districts. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry indicated that the National Assembly and Senate would debate the proposals.

Speaking at the National Policy Dialogue in Lahore on 5 September 2026, Naqvi stated: “New administrative units will have to be created. No one can stop it. However, such a major decision cannot be imposed by an individual or a single political party and should instead be made in accordance with the wishes of the people. If the people want new administrative units, they should be created.” He further emphasised: “Whether I remain in this job or not, I will not back down from my stance irrespective of the consequences.”

The legal path is tightly constrained. Article 239 of the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate for any constitutional amendment. If the change alters the limits of a province, Article 239(4) adds a further requirement: the affected provincial assembly must also pass the bill by a two-thirds majority of its total membership before it can be presented to the President for assent. President Asif Ali Zardari’s signature would be required. A referendum under Article 48(6) is theoretically possible if a joint sitting of Parliament first approves it, but constitutional experts note that a referendum alone cannot create new provinces; it can only gauge public opinion. Actual boundary changes still need the full amendment process.

On 3 September 2026 the Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution rejecting any........

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