ISLAMABAD — The government is considering a proposal to establish between 10 and 12 provinces across Pakistan. The proposed restructuring includes dividing Punjab into four provinces, while Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan could each be divided into two.
The federal government has accelerated preparations for a possible nationwide referendum on the creation of new provinces, as political leaders increasingly turn to public opinion to resolve disagreements over restructuring the country’s administrative boundaries. The government is reportedly considering holding the referendum before the Senate elections, expected in the first week of March 2027. According to the report, the government could approach the courts to seek clarity on the legal and constitutional framework for conducting the referendum. Upcoming sessions of the National Assembly and Senate are expected to play an important role in determining the way forward, as a referendum was becoming increasingly likely as the government sought to build political consensus on the formation of new provinces.
Mohsin Naqvi Calls for Public Referendum Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has recently proposed holding a referendum to determine whether Pakistan should create additional provinces or administrative units.