Zulfiqar Ahmad
The writer is Head of Media & Communication and Public Relations Officer at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI). He can be reached at zulfiqar.rcci@gmail.com
The debate over creating new provinces and administrative units in Pakistan has once again entered the national conversation. It is an important and sensitive issue, but one that demands seriousness, constitutional clarity and political consensus—not simply discussion in television talk shows, seminars and political gatherings.Pakistan undoubtedly needs a more responsive, efficient and citizen-focused system of governance. The real question, however, is whether creating new provinces or administrative units would, by itself, improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
Smaller administrative units can potentially bring government closer to the people, but changing administrative boundaries alone cannot guarantee better healthcare, education, infrastructure, employment or public services. The real objective must be better governance, equitable resource allocation, economic opportunity and inclusive development.Pakistan needs a governance system that brings the state closer to the citizen, resources closer to the communities that need them, and economic opportunities closer to its people.This is a matter of national importance and should ideally be debated comprehensively in Parliament, the Senate and the provincial assemblies. A decision of such magnitude requires a structured constitutional and institutional process involving all relevant stakeholders and, as far as possible, a broad consensus.
Turning the issue primarily into a subject for television debates and seminars risks making an already sensitive question more controversial while taking attention away from the practical challenges of governance. The discussion should therefore not be viewed merely through a political lens. It should be examined from administrative, economic, financial and development perspectives.There is also a fundamental question: if new provinces or administrative units are not created, does that mean the existing governance problems will simply continue? The answer should be no.Whether Pakistan eventually creates new provinces, introduces smaller administrative units or retains the existing structure, there must be practical reforms to improve service delivery.The starting point should be reliable, independent and non-partisan data. Policymakers need a clear picture of regional disparities in healthcare, education, water, sanitation, roads, transport and other essential services. Decisions should be based on evidence rather than political perceptions or competing demands.Development funds should likewise be allocated and utilized transparently and equitably, taking into account population, deprivation, regional needs and measurable gaps in public services. Equally important is ensuring that allocated funds actually reach the intended projects and communities.There may also be ways to bring services closer to citizens without immediately creating entirely new administrative structures.
For instance, if Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) is unable to adequately serve the healthcare needs of Islamabad’s expanding population and surrounding areas, policymakers could consider specialized units or regional branches in underserved locations. The same principle could be applied to public-sector universities, technical institutes, schools, hospitals and other essential services.Decentralization does not necessarily have to mean the creation of another province. It can also mean taking institutions, services and decision-making closer to the people.The role of cantonments is another issue that requires careful consideration. Pakistan has cantonment areas operating under a distinct administrative framework. If new administrative units are created, policymakers would need to clearly define how cantonment jurisdictions would interact with provincial and local governments and how overlapping responsibilities could be avoided.
The financial implications are equally significant. Creating new provinces could involve additional secretariats, assemblies, departments, offices and administrative personnel. The key question is not simply whether new institutions can be created, but whether they would generate measurable improvements in governance and public-service delivery relative to their cost.The debate should also not be reduced to a choice between the existing four provinces and a larger number of provinces. Empowered local governments, meaningful fiscal decentralization and stronger municipal institutions could provide another route to bringing decision-making closer to citizens.Perhaps the most important dimension of the debate is economic.What does Pakistan need—and what does an investor want?The answer is relatively straightforward: policy certainty, efficient administration, predictable taxation, reliable infrastructure, dependable energy supplies and strong connectivity.An investor does not invest simply because an administrative boundary has changed.
Businesses look for a predictable regulatory environment, transparent procedures, access to markets, reliable utilities, efficient transportation, protection of investment and confidence that policies will remain stable.Pakistan’s administrative reforms, therefore, should ultimately be judged by their ability to promote investment, exports, productivity and job creation.If a new administrative structure can demonstrably improve these outcomes, its economic case deserves serious consideration. If the same objectives can be achieved through empowered local governments, administrative decentralization and institutional reforms, those options should receive equal attention.
The debate should therefore move beyond the question of how many provinces Pakistan should have and focus on a more fundamental question: how can Pakistan build a system of governance that works better for its citizens and its economy?The test of any administrative reform should be simple: Does it deliver better public services, greater accountability, fairer resource distribution, stronger institutions and more economic opportunities?Pakistan does not merely need a redrawn administrative map. It needs a governance system capable of delivering results.Whether that comes through new provinces, smaller administrative units, stronger local governments or a combination of reforms, the ultimate objective must remain the same: bringing government closer to citizens, creating certainty for investors, strengthening the economy and improving the quality of life for ordinary Pakistanis.
