Prime Minister’s political affairs adviser Rana Sanaullah has made it clear that the federal government has not prepared any plan to create new provinces in Pakistan, despite persistent public debate and political demands.

Speaking to reporters in Islamabad on Thursday, Sanaullah said the cabinet has not discussed any proposal to split Punjab into two or three parts, nor has it considered carving out a new province from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or Balochistan.

“There is no such plan at the moment,” he stated. “The government is focused on delivering basic services and economic stability rather than administrative restructuring.”

The remarks come amid growing calls from political parties and regional groups for the creation of new provinces. The Saraikistan movement in southern Punjab, the Hazara province demand in KP, and similar demands from Balochistan have kept the issue alive in public discourse.

Why are new provinces being demanded?

  • Saraikistan: A long-standing demand from southern Punjab for a separate province to address perceived neglect in development and governance.
  • Hazara: Residents of Hazara division in KP have repeatedly protested for a separate province, citing cultural and administrative differences.
  • Other regions: Smaller movements exist in parts of Sindh, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, though they have less political traction.

Political analysts say the issue often resurfaces during election cycles, with parties using it to mobilize regional support. However, the federal government has historically resisted such demands due to concerns over administrative complexity and potential political fragmentation.

What does the constitution say?

Under Article 239(2) of the Constitution, a new province can only be created through a constitutional amendment passed by a two-thirds majority in Parliament. This requires broad political consensus, which has been difficult to achieve in Pakistan’s polarized environment.

Previous attempts—such as the 2010 18th Amendment—strengthened provincial autonomy but did not address new province creation. The 2013 All Parties Conference also discussed the idea but did not result in any concrete steps.

What happens next?

Sanaullah’s statement suggests the government is not prioritizing the issue in the near term. However, regional parties may continue to press the demand, especially if they gain political leverage in upcoming elections.

For now, the federal government’s focus remains on economic recovery, inflation control, and security—areas where public frustration is already high. Any move to create new provinces would require significant political capital and consensus, neither of which appears readily available.

What should you do?

If you are following this issue for political or regional reasons:

  • Monitor party manifestos ahead of the next election—new province demands may feature prominently.
  • Check parliamentary proceedings for any motion or resolution on the topic (follow National Assembly website).
  • Engage with regional representatives if you are part of a movement advocating for a new province.

Key takeaways

  • No plan exists at the federal level to create new provinces.
  • Constitutional hurdles make it difficult without a two-thirds majority.
  • Regional demands persist, but the government is not acting on them currently.
  • Elections may change the equation—watch for manifesto promises.

While the debate over new provinces is unlikely to disappear, today’s statement confirms that the federal government is not preparing any administrative changes in this regard. For now, the focus remains elsewhere.