Pakistan smaller provinces proposal
A proposal to reorganise Pakistan’s four provinces into a larger number of smaller provinces or administrative units is reportedly under consideration. The Economist has reported that Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan could be divided into 12 to 15 provinces, while another option could create as many as 160 smaller territories or districts.
The proposal is being discussed in a country where the existing provinces differ sharply in population, area and administrative capacity. The Economist reported that Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has argued that the provinces are too large to be governed effectively. Supporters say smaller administrative units could improve governance and the management of public services.
Punjab has around 128 million people, more than half of Pakistan’s population. Balochistan, by contrast, has about 15 million residents but is the country’s largest province by area. The report also says that fewer than one-quarter of people in Punjab have reliable access to safe drinking water at home.
The proposed restructuring could also alter Pakistan’s political balance. Punjab is a major political base for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), while Sindh is a key base for the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). The report says dividing the provinces could weaken alternative centres of political power and increase the influence of the central government.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has previously discussed the creation of more provinces and smaller administrative units, according to the report. The proposal’s possible scope includes both a model of 12 to 15 provinces and a broader arrangement involving up to 160 smaller territories or districts.
The debate is taking place during fresh political turmoil in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Imran Khan, governs the province. The Economist reported that the party’s supporters began a march towards Islamabad earlier this week.
Balochistan is facing separatist violence, while Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has seen protests related to governance, prices, taxation and economic conditions. The proposal is also being discussed against the backdrop of weak growth, high inflation, debt-servicing costs, political conflict and military influence in Pakistan.
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