The only simple criterion that could be used in considering any restructuring proposal would be whether it would make government more responsive to the people and give more control to the people over the decision-making process and resources available to them. If redrawing the provincial boundaries is a solution, let’s start with Islamabad. Islamabad can be granted provincial status with an elected democratic government run by a Chief Minister. This will definitely require greater constitutional, administrative, financial and political discussion, but might be an opportunity for developing a new form of democratic, decentralised governance. The possible discussion could be about establishing an elected governance structure for Islamabad without losing its federal capital status. However, a case could also be put forward for a larger proposal to include Islamabad and its economically and geographically linked neighbouring areas to become a separate federating unit. Any such proposal must be subject to constitutional review, institutional consultation, public discussion and careful consideration of administrative and financial feasibility. The Provincial Finance Commission should be strengthened and constitutionally entrenched to........

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