Pakistan Moves Toward New Provinces; Referendum Proposed for Division of Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh and KP

Islamabad:A major proposal regarding the creation of new provinces in Pakistan has emerged, with a referendum through the Election Commission being considered to give practical shape to the proposed restructuring.

According to the proposal, if the referendum produces a favorable result, Punjab and Balochistan would each be divided into four provinces, while Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) would each be divided into two new provinces.

Another proposal under consideration was to make every administrative division a separate province, effectively restructuring the country’s existing provincial boundaries on a much broader scale.

However, the proposed referendum has already triggered questions and criticism from political observers. Critics argue that if the purpose of a referendum is to provide public legitimacy to a decision that has already been made, Pakistan’s history raises important questions about the credibility and purpose of such exercises.

Pakistan has previously held controversial referendums during military-led governments. The first referendum under General Zia-ul-Haq asked voters whether they wanted the implementation of Islamic principles in the country. The referendum was also linked to extending General Zia-ul-Haq’s presidency for another five years.

Similarly, General Pervez Musharraf held a referendum in 2002 seeking public approval for his continuation as president. Both referendums faced criticism from opposition parties and observers over their political context and transparency.

Analysts therefore question whether the proposed referendum on new provinces could face similar criticism. They argue that for the process to be considered credible, it would need to be transparent, independently monitored and supported by broad political and public consensus.

Meanwhile, there appears to be no clear consensus among the provinces over the proposed restructuring. Opposition to the division of existing provinces is also becoming increasingly visible, with concerns being raised about administrative, political and constitutional implications.

Although proponents are describing the decision to create new provinces as final, the date and mechanism of any referendum would still require further preparation. The process of building public support and shaping opinion around the proposed provincial restructuring is expected to continue before any formal referendum is announced.