The federal government is considering a proposal to establish between 10 and 12 provinces across Pakistan. The proposed restructuring includes dividing Punjab into four provinces, while Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan could each be divided into two.
To build political consensus on the formation of new provinces, the government has accelerated preparations for a possible nationwide referendum. The government is reportedly considering holding the referendum before the Senate elections, which are expected in the first week of March 2027. To move forward, the government could approach the courts to seek clarity on the legal and constitutional framework for conducting the vote.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently proposed holding a referendum to determine whether Pakistan should create additional provinces or administrative units. Speaking to reporters in Lahore on November 12, Naqvi urged political parties to let voters decide the matter, stating he would support the outcome regardless of whether the public favored or opposed the proposal. Naqvi argued that political parties frequently emphasize democracy and the supremacy of the people, making a public vote an appropriate way to settle the debate. He also assured ruling coalition partners that no decision would be taken against their wishes and that any move would require consensus among them.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has also supported the proposal. Speaking to the media in Lahore on Friday, Khan argued that the will of the people should take precedence over the opinions of elected representatives on matters of public importance. Khan referred to the 1973 Constitution and argued that ultimate authority rests with the people. He said a referendum should determine whether new provinces should be established, adding that the public’s decision should be respected even if it conflicts with the positions of political parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which opposes dividing Sindh.
However, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah offered a different constitutional perspective. Sanaullah maintained that Parliament would retain the final authority over the creation of new provinces. He also questioned who had the legal authority to conduct a referendum, saying the matter would require parliamentary consideration and debate.
Upcoming sessions of the National Assembly and Senate are expected to play an important role in determining the way forward, as a referendum was becoming increasingly likely as the government sought to build political consensus on the formation of new provinces.
