Ahsan Iqbal proposes creation of up to 15 new provinces, seeks national debate

Iqbal added that he was waiting for the prime minister to return from Kyrgyzstan before discussing the matter with him., Pakistan’s four provinces had become increasingly centralised over the years, affecting the delivery of essential services, including healthcare and education.

“I would say we need 12-15 new provinces,” he said, suggesting that each of the existing provinces could be divided into three. He stressed, however, that the distribution of political representation would have to be based on an equitable formula.

Iqbal said creating new provinces should not drastically alter the balance of representation, particularly in the Senate. The proposal comes amid renewed discussion over Pakistan’s administrative structure.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had raised the issue in July, while Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry also called for a serious debate on the matter a day later. However, Prime Minister’s Coordinator Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan said no formal decision had been taken regarding the creation of new provinces or administrative units.

He said no committee had been constituted at the federal level and there was currently no official discussion on the matter., even if new provinces were eventually created, they would be established before the next general election cycle.