Pakistan’s Future
Pakistan’s Future: There is much talk about the “winds of change” in Pakistan. Many reports say that the government may soon create new provinces. Supporters call it the will of the people. But we must ask a basic question. Do the people really want this? Or do powerful groups want it?
Political Uncertainty
PML-N ministers say they know nothing about such a plan. The PPP strongly opposes new provinces. Parliament has not debated the issue. Provincial assemblies have also not discussed it. This creates serious doubts. Like the 26th and 27th Amendments, someone may prepare the plan elsewhere. Lawmakers may then simply approve it.
Amendment and Crisis
People have discussed a possible 28th Amendment for some time. The interior minister recently confirmed that change may come. The military spokesperson also made a statement. These statements increased public debate. People now discuss new provinces and wider governance reforms.
Pakistan’s political system faces serious problems. Everyone agrees on this point. But new provinces cannot solve these problems. The crisis goes much deeper. Pakistan needs strong institutions. It also needs better governance and real political reforms. Simply changing boundaries will not fix the system.
Constitutional Safeguards
Major reforms must follow the Constitution. They must also follow democratic principles. Forces outside the constitutional system should not impose such changes. Such actions could create more instability. The 26th and 27th Amendments already raised concerns about judicial independence. Another weak democratic reform could damage the Constitution further.
Constitutional Hurdles
Many people support new provinces and stronger local governments. They see them as tools for better governance. However, political parties have not reached an agreement. The Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament. It also requires a two-thirds majority in the concerned provincial assembly. This makes the creation of new provinces difficult.
Provincial Disputes
Many people support a separate province in south Punjab. But they disagree on its basis. Some support linguistic divisions. Others prefer administrative divisions. Many people in KP also support a Hazara province. However, they still disagree over its boundaries.
Dividing Sindh remains even more controversial. The PPP strongly opposes a separate Karachi province. Some people want the federal government to control Karachi directly. Both ideas would separate Karachi from Sindh. They could also create serious conflict. Karachi plays a major role in Sindh’s economy. Dividing Balochistan could also increase its existing problems.
Local Power Failure
Pakistan should focus on local governments instead of creating new provinces. The federal government should transfer power to the provinces. The provinces should then transfer power to local governments. The 18th Amendment supports this system.
Unfortunately, the provinces have not completed this process. Local governments have lost many powers. They also face delays in elections. Punjab has not held local elections for years. This happened despite repeated Supreme Court orders. Sindh and KP have held elections. However, their local governments still have limited powers. Provincial governments also control their finances.
Strengthen Local Democracy
Karachi shows the problem clearly. It is a major city. Yet provincial ministers control many of its affairs. Balochistan has also weakened its local government system. This situation reduces public participation. It also weakens democracy at the grassroots level.
Pakistan needs a constitutional amendment to protect local governments. It should clearly define their powers. It should also make those powers compulsory. Political parties should work together on this issue. They should build consensus instead of accepting imposed reforms.
Democratic Reform and Consensus
The 18th Amendment gives us a useful example. Political parties worked together to pass it. They strengthened federalism and transferred powers to the provinces. Political parties should show the same spirit today. They should work together to strengthen local governments.
Pakistan already faces economic, political, and security crises. Another political conflict could divide the country further. Creating new provinces is not the main solution. Pakistan needs democratic reforms. It needs strong local governments and political consensus. Most importantly, it needs respect for the Constitution. Restoring democracy and constitutional supremacy can help Pakistan overcome its current crisis.
Published in Dawn, 19th August 2026
