Federal Minister for Communications and Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) President Abdul Aleem Khan has openly expressed support for the creation of a Hazara province in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reviving a long-standing political debate on the restructuring of Pakistan's administrative map. Speaking at a public gathering on Saturday, Khan stated that people across different regions of the country desire new provinces to ensure better governance, decentralized administration, and efficient resource management.

The demand for a separate Hazara province has persisted among local political and social figures since 2010. While the push has repeatedly surfaced during election cycles and political realignments, the fresh backing from a key federal minister brings the discussion back to the forefront of national politics. Khan emphasized that administrative reform is no longer just a regional talking point but a widespread administrative necessity for a growing population.

Momentum Behind New Administrative Units

The conversation regarding Hazara province coincides with broader discussions happening within federal circles regarding a potential 28th Constitutional Amendment. High-level government sources indicate that proposals to split major provinces and create new administrative tiers are currently under serious consideration in Islamabad.

Aside from carving out a separate province for the Hazara division, the wider reform package reportedly includes plans to divide Punjab into three distinct administrative units and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into two. Furthermore, radical administrative overhauls—such as bringing major metropolitan and strategic economic zones like Karachi and Gwadar under direct federal control—have also been floated in policy discussions, though these face strong constitutional and political hurdles.

Position on South Punjab and Bahawalpur

During his address, the IPP president reiterated his party's unwavering stance on regional autonomy and administrative restructuring in other parts of the country. He noted that his party firmly supports the long-standing demands for the establishment of South Punjab and Bahawalpur provinces.

  • IPP officially backs the formation of South Punjab province.
  • Party leadership also advocates for a separate Bahawalpur administrative unit.
  • Federal discussions now encompass the creation of four distinct administrative units within each major province.

Proponents of these divisions argue that larger provinces like Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have become too unwieldy to govern effectively from a single provincial capital like Lahore or Peshawar. Critics, however, warn that creating new provinces could trigger ethnic friction, balloon administrative expenditures, and complicate legislative processes unless executed with broad political consensus.

What to Watch Next

You should monitor how major opposition parties and provincial assemblies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab respond to these statements. While federal ministers signal openness to constitutional changes, any formal bill regarding new provinces will require a two-thirds majority in parliament, making cross-party negotiations the critical next phase of this unfolding debate.