Pakistan could be reorganized into 12 provinces under a proposal under consideration that features a nationwide referendum ahead of a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment.
Proposed Restructuring of Administrative Map
Based on the contemplated plan, Punjab stands to be split into four provinces, while Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would each be divided into three, leaving Sindh with two. Sources familiar with the proposal state that the constitutional amendment could be taken up in the first half of 2027, with preparatory steps potentially beginning in the first quarter.
The proposal remains at the consideration stage. No final decision has been taken on boundaries, administrative structures, or the necessary constitutional process.
Holding a nationwide referendum to gauge public opinion
A key element of the approach is holding a nationwide referendum before the amendment process begins. According to sources, the aim is to gauge public opinion and establish a popular mandate for restructuring rather than leaving the issue to political negotiation.
Proponents argue that the exercise is not intended to target any particular province or weaken the political standing of any existing unit. Instead, supporters maintain that Pakistan’s growing population and uneven development require a fresh approach to governance.
Did You Know? The proposal envisions dividing Punjab into four provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan into three each, and Sindh into two, bringing the total number of administrative units to 12.
Khawaja Asif supports new units while PPP opposes division
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif voiced support for creating new administrative units during a Sunday interview in Sialkot, stating that even 12 units could be established if created on administrative grounds rather than linguistic, ethnic, or political lines. Asif also criticized existing financial arrangements, stating that funds transferred from the federal government remain under the control of provincial administrations instead of reaching local institutions.
In contrast, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has opposed dividing provinces. Last week PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called for an end to the debate, noting that the Provincial Assembly of Sindh opposed the division of the province.
Expert Insight: Restructuring Pakistan’s administrative map touches deep political sensitivities regarding provincial autonomy and resource sharing, making broad consensus across regional and national parties an essential prerequisite for any constitutional reform.
MQM-P demands new administrative units in Sindh
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) renewed its demand for new administrative units in Sindh to ensure the devolution of powers and resources to the grassroots level, according to Dawn. MQM-P Convener and Federal Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui chaired a high-level meeting at the party’s Bahadurabad headquarters to address grievances in urban Sindh.
During his remarks reported by Dawn, Khawaja Asif recalled past administrative arrangements such as the One Unit scheme, under which West Pakistan provinces were merged before being abolished. He also pointed to Afghanistan as an example where the number of provinces increased from around eight or ten to more than 30.
Questions about the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment
When could the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment be taken up?
Sources familiar with the proposal indicate that the constitutional amendment could be considered in the first half of 2027, with preparatory steps potentially beginning in the first quarter.
What specific division of provinces is outlined in the proposal?
Under the contemplated framework, Punjab could be broken down into four administrative regions, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into three each, and Sindh into two.
What position has the MQM-P taken regarding administrative restructuring?
The MQM-P renewed its demand for new administrative units in Sindh during a meeting chaired by Federal Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui to ensure power devolution and address grievances in urban Sindh.
Related reading