Ahsan Iqbal Proposes 15 New Provinces, Calls for Major Administrative Reform

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has proposed a major restructuring of Pakistan’s administrative system, suggesting that the country could consider creating 12 to 15 new provinces.

Under the proposal, Pakistan’s four existing provinces could potentially be divided into three smaller administrative units each. Iqbal has called for a national debate on the idea, arguing that the current provincial structure has become highly centralised and has faced challenges in delivering effective public services, particularly in health and education.

The Planning Minister said smaller provinces could improve governance by bringing decision-making closer to citizens and enabling authorities to respond more effectively to local needs.

However, Iqbal stressed that the creation of new provinces would require broad political consensus and a fair, equitable formula. He said the matter should be discussed at the national level rather than pursued by any single party or institution.

There is currently no formal decision to create new provinces, and no committee has been formed to work on the proposal, according to the Prime Minister’s aide.

The proposal therefore remains at the stage of a wider policy discussion. Any move toward creating new provinces would require further political consultation, national debate and consensus among stakeholders.