By Sardar Khan Niazi
The debate over the creation of new provinces in Pakistan has once again surfaced, and what makes it promising this time is that the Constitution itself ensures that any such step can only be taken through broad consultation and consensus. This is not a matter that can be decided in haste or with narrow political motives; it demands collective wisdom, national dialogue, and overwhelming agreement. If new provinces are created on such foundations, they would not just fulfill administrative needs but also respond to social, cultural, and legal demands.

The Constitution of Pakistan is clear on this subject. Article 239 lays down that if any constitutional amendment alters the boundaries of a province or results in the creation of a new one, that amendment cannot be presented to the President unless it has first been passed by the provincial assembly concerned with the votes of not less than two-thirds of its total membership. This means that a simple majority is not enough; a two-thirds majority is required in the provincial assembly, in addition to two-thirds majorities in both the National Assembly and the Senate. Such a high threshold reflects the seriousness of the issue. It underlines that altering provincial limits or creating new provinces is not a routine administrative decision but a momentous national choice that directly touches on local identity, representation, and the federal balance of power.

This is why the matter has been bound in constitutional safeguards: to prevent any government from redrawing provinces merely for short-term political gain. When decisions of this magnitude are taken by broad consensus, they hold the promise of strengthening the federation rather than weakening it.

The demand for new provinces in Pakistan is not just a slogan of convenience. It springs from the lived reality of citizens whose lives are shaped by how distant or accessible their institutions are. Pakistan’s growing population, the increasing burden on resources, and the expanding needs of the people all raise the question of whether the current provincial structure can adequately meet these challenges.

There is also a social and cultural dimension. Pakistan is home to multiple linguistic and cultural communities, many of whom feel underrepresented in the present provincial setup. In South Punjab, Hazara, and parts of Sindh, there is a long-standing sense that their languages, traditions, and cultural identities have not been given fair space in provincial representation. Recognizing these identities through new provinces would not divide Pakistan but rather weave a stronger federation, where grievances are addressed and unity deepened.

From an administrative perspective, the necessity is just as pressing. The existing provinces are vast in both size and population. As a result, access to provincial institutions is often beyond the reach of an ordinary citizen. I can speak from personal experience. Coming from Mianwali, I have seen how people are forced to travel all the way to Lahore if they need to pursue a case in the High Court. For many, this journey of hundreds of kilometers is not just exhausting but financially crippling. Legal expenses are one thing, but the sheer cost of travel, stay, and time away from work breaks the back of common citizens. If more provinces are created, each with its own High Court and administrative machinery, justice and governance would move closer to the people. Access to justice would no longer be a privilege of those living near provincial capitals but a right available at the doorstep of every citizen.

New provinces would also bring governance closer to the grassroots. Decision-making would become more localized, development projects would be better tailored to the needs of the people, and the over-centralization that suffocates innovation and efficiency would be reduced. This is the route that many other federations around the world have adopted to ensure better governance and to strengthen the state by empowering its people.

The creation of new provinces presents both an opportunity and a test for Pakistan. An opportunity, because it could ease the lives of millions, correct long-standing inequities, and give the federation fresh strength. A test, because it will reveal whether our political leadership is able to rise above narrow interests and act with foresight and statesmanship. If the process follows the constitutional path laid out in Article 239, with two-thirds approval at every stage and with genuine consultation, it could become a landmark achievement in Pakistan’s history. But if it is rushed or pursued for short-term political gains, it could turn into another source of division, like the unresolved controversies of the past.

The responsibility lies squarely on our leaders. At this moment in history, they must demonstrate wisdom, patience, and vision. The people of Pakistan are watching, and they deserve nothing less.