By Iftikhar Mashwani
ISLAMABAD : Pakistan’s existing system of governance appears to be entering a decisive political battle as debate intensifies over the creation of new provinces, stronger administrative units and empowered local governments.
Critics describe the current structure as outdated, centralized and deeply exploitative, arguing that it has failed to serve the public effectively.
The Pakistan Peoples Party has made it clear through the Sindh Assembly that it will not accept any major change to Sindh’s territorial or provincial structure. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has reiterated the party’s position, declaring: “Sindh is one and will remain one.”
Meanwhile, supporters of administrative reforms argue that governing a country of more than 250 million people through only four large provinces has become increasingly difficult. They are demanding that political, administrative and financial powers be transferred from Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta to districts, cities and elected local governments.
The controversy is also placing additional pressure on relations between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the PPP, while speculation is growing about possible constitutional amendments.
The debate could develop into a major confrontation over provincial boundaries, resource distribution and political authority—potentially reshaping Pakistan’s governance structure and future political landscape.
PML-N, PPP Face Growing Tensions Over Creation of New Provinces:
In these days Political differences between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) are widening over proposals to create new provinces in Pakistan.
The PPP has taken a firm position against any division of Sindh, while the PML-N has yet to announce a clear and unified policy on the broader issue.
Although the Punjab Assembly previously passed a resolution supporting the creation of new provinces, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is reportedly not in favour of dividing Punjab at this stage.
She has argued that if new provinces are to be created, the process should begin in Sindh, after which similar administrative changes could also be considered in Punjab.
The disagreement could further strain relations between the two major political parties and intensify the national debate over provincial boundaries, administrative reforms and the devolution of power.
