The creating new provinces in Pakistan debate has resurfaced, but it remains a classic case of applying a superficial geographical fix to a fundamentally broken institutional system. While proponents argue that redrawing maps will solve issues of regional identity and representation, the reality is that our governance crisis is not caused by the size of our provinces, but by the failure of the institutions within them.

Why creating new provinces in Pakistan won't fix governance

Administrative efficiency is rarely improved by simply increasing the number of bureaucratic layers. Currently, the local government systems remain largely toothless across the country. Whether in Punjab, Sindh, or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the lack of financial and political empowerment at the district level is what chokes public service delivery. If you create a new province, you are essentially just creating a new set of provincial ministers, a new assembly, and a larger budget drain, without necessarily bringing power any closer to the average citizen.

  • Institutional Decay: The civil service structure is outdated and prone to political interference, regardless of provincial boundaries.
  • Fiscal Constraints: Most existing provinces are already struggling with massive debt servicing and pension liabilities; creating more administrative units will only increase overhead costs.
  • Political Patronage: Often, the push for new provinces is driven by political maneuvering to secure vote banks rather than a genuine desire for better governance.

The real issue: Institutional failure

When we discuss creating new provinces in Pakistan, we often ignore that the 18th Amendment provided a framework for provincial autonomy that has yet to be fully realized. The provinces already possess the constitutional authority to devolve power to local governments, yet they consistently refuse to do so. This reluctance to share power is the root cause of the disconnect between the state and the people.

If the existing administrative units cannot provide clean water, basic education, or functional health services, there is no evidence to suggest that a smaller, new province would magically develop the capacity to do so. The problem is a lack of accountability, not a lack of map-making.

What should the public demand instead?

Instead of focusing on the division of land, citizens should demand the strengthening of existing local government institutions. This includes:

  1. Financial Devolution: Ensuring that a fixed percentage of provincial budgets is legally mandated for district governments.
  2. Local Elections: Ensuring that local government elections are held on time and that elected representatives are given actual authority over municipal services.
  3. Administrative Accountability: Implementing transparent, merit-based hiring and performance tracking for provincial bureaucracy.

What to watch next

Keep an eye on the upcoming parliamentary debates regarding the budget and the status of local government acts. Political parties often use the 'new province' card during election cycles to distract from their failure to deliver on basic services. When you hear a politician pushing for new boundaries, ask them what their plan is for the local government councils that have been dormant for years. That is where the real answer to our governance crisis lies.