Pakistan is reportedly discussing a grand master plan to split its four current provinces into twelve new ones, in a move aimed at ensuring better governance and streamlining administrative operations.

The administration is also considering holding a nationwide referendum to gauge public opinion before implementing such sweeping changes.

According to media reports, the proposed administrative reform could see the 28th Constitutional Amendment tabled in parliament during the first half of 2027, with preliminary preparations slated to begin as early as the first quarter of that year.

Under the blueprint being discussed, Pakistan's largest province, Punjab, would be divided into four new provinces; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan into three each; and Sindh into two.

However, initiators of the proposal emphasized that the plan is still in its early stages, and no final decisions have been made regarding the precise boundaries or structures of the new provinces. Officials stressed that the initiative is not aimed at cornering any specific province or political party.

Instead, the primary objectives are to manage the country's growing population pressure, ensure balanced development across all regions, and deliver government services directly to the doorstep of the general public.

Because the formation of new provinces is a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan with long-standing divisions among political parties, authorities are considering a public referendum prior to parliamentary debates to secure a direct mandate from the citizens, rising above partisan interests and political bargaining.

Even if the public delivers a "green light" in a referendum, completing complex tasks such as demarcating new provincial boundaries, distributing resources, and dividing administrative powers will require extensive consensus-building among all political parties and prolonged parliamentary deliberations.
Source: Geo News